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StHtH<^»- 



HISTORY 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 

DESIGNED FOR SCHOOLS. 



EXTENDING FROM THE DISCOVERY OF AMERICA BY COLUM 

BUS TO THE PRESENT TIME*, WITH NUMEROUS MAPS 

AND ENGRAVINGS, TOGETHER WITH A NOTICE 

OF AMERICAN ANTIQUITIES, AND THE 

INDIAN TRIBES. 



" Our iM -torj' takes as its guiding star the simple and pregnant, truth that God IS IN 
}USTORY."-D'Ai(bi^'ne. 



BY EGBERT GUERNSEY, A.M. 



NEW YORK: 
PUBLISHED BY CADY AND BURGESS, 

GO JOHN STREET. 

1848. 



Ens 

t 



■/- ' ^ 



Entered according to the act of Congress, in the year 1847, 

BY EGBERT GUERNSEY, A.M., 

[n the Clerk's office of the District Court of the United States for tht 

Southern District of New York. 



am 

Mrs. Hennen Jennings 

April 26, 1933 



.# 



[■, 



Stereotyped by C. Davison & Co., 33 Goldst., N. Y. 

C. A. ALVORD, Printer. 

Comer of John and Dutch streets. 



PREFACE 



To commune wiih the great and mighty dead — to turn our thoughts 
backward along the path ol' time, and call from their silent graves 
the buried heroes of the past, and people with their living forms those 
old battle fields where freemen, under ihe protection of the God of Hea- 
ven, fought, not for a crown, but for liberty — is an employment both 
pleasing and instructive. 

All history is instructive, but that of our own country is peculiarly 
interesting. The actors in its earliest periods, and in its revolution- 
ary struggle, were men of patriotism, virtue, and religion. Rising 
above the selfish feelings of human nature, they planned and acted, not 
for themselves alone, but for their country, and the unborn millions 
who were yet to tread its soil. Believing in the overruling provi- 
dence of God, they were not ashamed to look to Him for direction, nor 
to lean on his arm for support Convinced that no people could flou- 
rish without a proper training of the mind, they early turned their at- 
tention to schools and colleges, believing them to be the nurseries of 
freedom. 

The study of American history not only unites us more closely, and 
with stronger love to our free institutions, but it ennobles the mind by 
the lessons of virtue and patriotism which are given in the teachings 
and examples of our fathers. The whole course of the American Revo- 
lution shows but one traitor. The infamy which is forever attached 
to the name of Arnold, is a suflicient warning to youth not to Ibllow 
in his footsteps. 

There are a few points, which I think have been neglected, or too 
hghtly passed over, in all the histories of our country with which 1 am 
acquainted. One of these is, a particular notice of the direct interpo- 
sition of Providence, so often displayed in our history. 

This fault I have endeavored to shun. While it has been my object 



VI PREFACE. 

to present a correct historical chain of events, in a style pleasing to the 
young, I have also endeavored to impress on them the important fact, 
that their fathers were working out the great designs of God, and were 
aided by him in their glorious consummation. 

As undoubted remains of a civilized people, inhabiting America be- 
fore the Indians, are scattered over the country, I have thought proper 
to devote an introductor)' chapter describing their appearance, locality, 
and the various opinions respecting them. 

In another chapter is given an epitome of the different Indian fami- 
lies, with a notice of their languages, manners, and customs. 

As this history has been compiled for educational purposes, I have 
endeavored to make the plan striking and simple, and to adapt my style 
to the minds and feelings of intelligent youth. 

In selecting my plan, three great epochs presented themselves as pro- 
per to be noticed particularly. The first presenting a picture of our 
country from its discovery by Columbus, during its colonial history. 
A clear outline is here given ; but much matter of a dry and prolix 
character, usually introduced in school histories with little effect, has 
been omitted. A dislike to an entire book has sometimes been produced, 
by crowding into this epoch a collection of isolated facts, which the 
young mind has struggled in vain to connect. If we succeed in enlist- 
ing their feelings in the commencement, the grand events which follow 
will surely enchain them, and our point is gained. 

The second epoch presents the story of the Revolutionary War, from 
the Declaration of Independence, until the adoption of the Federal Con- 
stitution, I have endeavored faithfully to describe the most important 
of those thrilling events which cluster around this period. 

It is strange, that while in many school histories the colonial period 
is tediously minute, the long struggle of a whole people for liberty, with 
a mighty nation, is briefly recorded. 

In the third and last epoch, each administration is separately noticed, 
from the commencement of the Federal Government until the year 1848. 
A concise biographical sketch of each President is given, that our 
American youths may know, who were their rulers, and associate kind 
and noble thoughts of them, with the story of their public acts while in 
office. This has never been introduced in any of our school books, and, 
as a body, our children are strangely ignorant of the character of those 
great men. 

This is evidently a defect which should be remedied ; for American 
children, above others, should early be taught, in connection with the 
principles of a republican government, the fact, that most of these ven- 
erable and beloved men, were once children in humble life, and that they, 



pri:face. vii 

under Providence, by their own exertions and their virtues, arose to the 
highest station in the gift of their country. 

The eyes of the civilized world are on America. They are nar- 
rowly watching all her operations, and scanning her motives of action. 
From this land of freemen an influence pervades the globe. Much is 
expected from the American youth, and a deep responsibility rests on 
their guardians and instructors. 

Next to the Bible, no book is better adapted to teach lessons of impor- 
tance, both to the heart and intellect, than a faithful history of God's 
dealings with our countrymen. A strange indifference to the study 
of American history is manifested throughout our land; and it is 
time that a better state of things existed. It is surprising how many 
schools of high standing entirely exclude it from their classes. Histo- 
ries of classic Greece and Rome are mastered, those of England and 
France are not forgotten, but American history is regarded as a simple 
elementary subject, unworthy the study of an advanced scholar. This 
is a fact beyond dispute. 

In relating the history of the Americans, our ancestors, I do not wish 
to throw into the shade the merits of any other nation. I would have 
all history faithfully studied and remembered. It is worthy the time 
and talent of every immortal mind. History is a harp whose strings 
are swept by the hand of Time. It tells us of the birth of creation — the 
uprising of empires — the passing away of mighty nations — it sounds in 
our ears the events which lie scattered along the path of life. Its notes 
tremble mournfully over the graves of greatness and virtue entombed. 
Its tones are ever varying, and will be heard until Time severs the 
strings, as they are sounding the requiem of the world, and history is 
no more ! 



NOTE TO TEACHERS. 

The questions on the margin are only intended as leading ones, to 
answer which, however, a knowledge of the whole subject is necessary. 
These questions can be altered and others suggested, at the pleasure of 
the teacher. Great pains have been taken to make the Chronology as 
correct as possible. To avoid confusion, all the dates have been given 
in New Style. This History is not only intended for a recitation book, 
but to be used in reading classes. The events forming a connected chain, 
a habit of attention will be elicited, and much historical knowledge 
gained. A plan similar to this, I have pursued in a long course of 
teaching, with decided advantage. 



CHART OF 



HENRY VII., HENRY VIII., EDWARD VI. 
MARY, ELIZABETH. 



1400. 

14*2. Co!umbus discovers America. 

1497. The Cabots, under Henry VII., discover 

the Continent of North America. 
1499. The Portugese send out Ojeda with 

Americus Vespucius. 

1500. 

150'2. Columbus makes his fourth and last 

voyage. 
1506. He dies at Valladolid, in Speiin. | 

151'2. Ponce de Leon discovers Florida. \ 

1523. Verrazani, under the French, explores the 

American Coast. 
1525. Narvaez attempts the conquest of Florida. 

1534. Cartier discovers the Gulf of St. Law- 
rence, and possesses it in the name of the ' 
King of France. 

1535. Cartier, in a second voyage, in which he I 
ascends the .St. Lawrence, names the 
country New France. 

1541. De Soto discovers the Mississippi. 

1562. Ribault leaves a French Colony on the 
Coast of Florida. 

1.564. Laudonniere begins a French settlement 

on the river May. 
1565. Laudonniere's Colony destroyed by the 

Spaniards, who posses.s the country.— St. 

Augustine founded by Pedro Melendez. 

1563. The Spanish Colony on the May, de- 
stroyed by De Gorgez. 

1576. Frobisher's F.xpedirioti, 

1578. Queen Elizabeth grants the first English 
Patent to lands in North America, to Sir 
Walter Raleigh. 

1583. Sir H. Gilbert takes possession of New- 
foundland. 

1589. Raleigh sells his Patent to the London 
Company. 

MISCELLANEOUS FACTS. 

By the Census of 1840, the population of ttie 
United States was 17,063,666. 

The number of Universities and Colleges, 173; 
Students, 18,233; Academies and Gram- 
mar .Schools, 3,242 ; Scholars, 164,159: Pri- 
mary and Common Schools, 47,209 ; Scho- 
lars, 1.845,244. 

."'lumber of persons engaged in Agriculture, 
3,717,756; in Commerce, 117,575; in Manu- 
factures, 791.545. 

Number of Baptist Churche.'*, 6.000 ; of Metho- 
dist Churches, unknown ; of Methodist 
Ministers. 3,000; of Presbyterian Churches, 
3,000; of Congregatioiialist Churches, 1,300 ; 
of Episcopalian Churches, 950. 

The population of the United States doubles 
every 25 years, that of England every 30. 



MEXICO. 

1519. Cortez lands in Mexico 

\sn. He confjiiers the C;ity. — From this time 
uitil 1921. .Mexico was governed by Vice- 
roys from .Spiiin -Revolution in Mexico, 
1910—1821. 



JAMES I., CHARLES I., CROMWELL, 
CHARLES II., JAMES II. 



1600. 

1602. Gosnold discovers Cape Cod- 

1603. Henry IV.. of France, grants Acedia to 
De Monts. 

1605. First permanent French settlement in 
North America made at Port Royal. 

1606. First Charterof Virginia issued.— Virginia 
divided between the London and PlymoiUh 
Companies. 

1607. Jamestown, in Virginia, founded— the 
earliest permanent English settlement in 
North America. 

1608. Quebec settled by Champlain. 

1609. Henry Hudson discovers the Hud.ion 
river. 

1610. Starving time in Virginia. 

1611. Sir Thomas Dale arrives in Virginia. 
1613. New York settled by the Dutch. 

1619. First General Assembly in Virginia. 

1620. Landing of the Puritans.— Young women 
sent to Virginia, as wives lor the planters, 
and sold for tobacco.— Negroes introduced 
by the Dutch, and Slavery commeticed. 

i 1621. Charter granted to the Dutch West India 
Company, for settling the country betwi^en 
the Connecticut and Delaware^ rivers. 

1623. The Dutch erect Fort Nassau, on the 
Delaware.— Albany settled by the Dutch. 

1624. London Company dissolved. 

1627. Swedes and Fins settle on the Delaware. 

1628. Patent of Massachusem obtained.— Set- 
tlement of Salem commenced. 

1629. Sew Hampshire granted to John Ma.son. 

1630. Heath's Patent to S. Carolina granted. 

1631. First General Court in Massachusetts. — 
Patent of Connecticut granted. 

1632. Mary'tand granted to Lord Baltimore. 

1633. First house erected in Connecticut. 

1634. Commissioners appomted in England to 
govern the Colonies.— Roger Williams ban- 
ished. 

1636. Hartford settled.— Roger Williams settles 
Rhode Island. 

1637. Harvard College established.— Pequod 
War. 

163,"?. New Haven settled. 
J 1639. First Printing Office in America, at Cam- 
bridge. 

1693 Confederation of the New England Colo- 
nies. 
. 16'>3. Disputes between the United Colonies 
I and the Dutch. 
(1671. Charleston founded. 
I 1673. War between England and H.Jand.— 
I The Dutch take New York. 

; 1^^^- j King Philip's War. 

1681. Penn receives a Charter for Pennsylvania. 

1682. Philadelphia founded. 

1694. Culture of Rice introduced in South Car-V' 
olina, from AfrTca. f'^ 

1697. Peace of Ryswick rfrmina»e.=< King Wil 
Ham's W:ir. 



AMERICAN HISTORY 



WILLIAM AND MARY, ANNE, GEORGE 
GEORGE II., GEORGE III. 



1700. 

1702. Queen Anne's War. 

1703. First American Newspaper.— (Boston 
News Letter.) 

1710. First Post Office in America. 
1719. Aurora Borealis first seen in New Eng. 
1723. Vermont settled. 
1729. North and South Carolina separated. 
1733. Georgia settled. 

1738. NiissHu Hall College founded at Prince- 
ton, New Jersey. 
1744. War between Prance and England. 
1748. Peace restored. 

1754. Commencement of the old French War. 
Congres.s of Delegates from seven Colonies 
meet at Albany. 

1755. Defeat of Braddock. 

1757. Fort William Henry taken by Montcalm. 
1759. Quebec taken— Wolfe killed. 

1764. Philadelphia Medical School founded. 

1765. Stamp Act passed.— F?m Colonial Con- 
gress, from nine States, meet at N. York, 
and publish a Declaration of Rights. 

1766. Stamp Act repealed. 

1767. New Taxes imposed. 
1770. Boston Massacre, 

1773. Tea thrown into the Harbor at Boston. 

1774. CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, at Phil- 
adelphia. 

1775. Revolutionary War begins. Skumish at 
Lexington.— Bunker Hill. 

1776. Independence declared.— Americans de- 
feated on Long Island.— Battle of White 
Plain.=!— Trenton. 

1777- Battle of Princeton — Bennington— Bran- 
dy wine— Stillwater— Germantown— Sara- 
toga.— Surrender of Bargoyne. 

1778. Treaty of Alliance between France and 
^wer?crt.— Battle of Monmouth. -A French 
Fleet, under D'E.«taing, arrives. — Massacre 
at Wyoming.— Savannah taken by the 
British. 

1779.— Sunbury taken by the British.— Battle at 
Briar Creek.— Storming of Stoney Point 
and Paulus Hook.— Battle of the Bon 
Homme Richard and Serapis. — Siege of 
Savannah. 

1780. Battle near Camden, S. C— Treason of 
Arnold. 

1781. Revolt of the Pennsylvania troops.— Bat- 
tle of Cowpens— Guiltbrd— Hobkirk's HiJl. 
EulawSprin^s.— Surrender of Cormoallis. 

1782. Treaty of Peace siirned. 

1783. Army disbanded.— Washington resigns his 
colTimi.ssion. 

1784. Shay's Rebellion. 

1787. Convention for Framing a Constitution. 

1788. Eleven States adopt the Constitution. 

1789. Cmninencement of the Federal Govern- 
mtvt— Washington President. 

1791. Vermont admitted into the Union. 

1792. Kentucky admitted into the Union.— 
U. S. Mint established. 

1793. Washington again elected President. 
1796. Tennessee admitted into the Union.— 

Washington's Farewell Address.— Jo/in 
Adanis President. 
VUtB-^WaMhington dies. 



1800. 



1800. Seat of Government transferred to Wash- 
ington. 

1801. Jefferson elected President. 

1802. O^iw admitted into the Union. 

1803. Louisiana purchased.— War with Tripoli. 
1807. Affair with the Chesapeake and Leop- 
ard.— Burr's Conspiracy and Trial. 

1809. Madison's Administration. 

1811. Affair of the Little 'Eeii.— Louisiana ad- 
mitted into the Union.— Battle of Tippe- 
canoe. 

1812. Declaration of War against Great Britain 
by the United States —Surrender of Hull. 
—Battle of the Constitution and Guerriere 
—Wasp and Frolic— United States and 
Macedonian— Constitution and Java. 

1813- Battle of the Hornet and Peacock.— Cap- 
ture ofYork— Death of Pike —Forts Georte 
and Erie taken.— Battle of LakeErie— of the 
Thames— on Lake Ontario— of Taladega. . 

1814. Battle of Talapoosa- Chippewa— North 
Point— Bridgewater. 

1815. Battle of New Orleans.— Treaty of Peace. 

1816. National Bank established.— /«d?ff??a ad- 
mitted into the Union.— Colonization So- 
ciety formed. 

1817. Monroe elected President— Internal Im- 
provements—Roads and Canals, conr*- 
menced.— Mississippi admitted. 

1818. Jackson chastises the Seminoles. — Illi- 
nois admitted. 

1819. First Steam Ship sails for Enrope.— Ala- 
bama admitted into the Union. 

1820. Northern Canal completed.— Maiwe ad- 
mitted. 

1821. Missouri admitted.— Florida ceded to the 
United States. 

1824. Lafayette visits America. 

1825. John Q. .4rfaws' Administration. 

1826. Adams' ami Jefferson's death. 

1828. Tariff Bill amended. 

1829. Andrei'} Jackson's Administration.— First 
appearance of Cholera in America, at Que- 
bec—Black Hawk's War. 

1833. Removal of the Deposits from the U. S. 
Bank to the State Banks. 

1835. Great Fire in New York.— Michigan ad- 
mitted.— 1835 to 1837, mania for Specula- 
tion rages. 

1836. Arkansas admitted into the Union. 

1837. Van Buren's Administration.— Great pe- 
cuniary distress.— Banks in New York stop 
Specie Payment. 

1839. Banks in N. Y. resume Specie Payment. 

1841. William H. Harrison President.— Dies 
April i.—John Tyler President. 

1842. NorthEastern BoundaryQuestion settled. 

1845. loiva and Florida admitted.— Ja7nes K. 
Polk, President— Morse's Telegraph car- 
ried into operation.— Te.\as admitted into 
the Union. 

1846. Oregon Boundary Question settled.— 
Taylor encamps opposite Matamoras.— 
Battles of Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma 
and Monterey. 

1847. Battle of Buena Vista.— Vera Cruz taken. 
— Cerro Gordo— Jalapa—Perote— Puebla— 
Contreras— C hurubusco — Molino del Rey— 
ehupultepee.—Entar Mexico. Sept. U. 



CONTENTS. 



Page. 

. . iQ 45 

American Antiquities 

Indian History ^^~"?^ 

Division of the Work '" 

PART I. 

CHAPTER I. 

EARLY DISCOVERIES. 

3olumbus— Sebastian Cabot— Alonzo de Ojeda— Contereal— 
Cartier— Ponce de Leon—Ferdinand de Soto— Coligni— 
Gilbert— Sir Walter Raleigh— Bartholomew Gosnold— Capt. 
John Smith— London Company 70—84 

CHAPTER II. 

COLONIAL HISTORY 

Virginia— Under the first charter— Under the second charter 
—Under the third charter— From the dissolution of the Lon- 
don Company until the French and Indian War 84—99 

CHAPTER III. 

Massachusetts.— Massachusetts Bay Colony— King Philip's 
War — King George's and dueen Anne's Wars 99 — 123 

CHAPTER IV. 
New Hampshire 123—125 

CHAPTER V. 
:Junnecticut 125—133 



CONTENTS. XI 

Page 
CHAPTER VI. 

Rhode Island 133 — 135 

CHAPTER VII. 
New York.— Dutch West India Company— Swedish Colony 

—Grant to the Duke of York— Leisler and Milborne 135—149 

CHAPTER VIII. 

New Jersey 149 — 152 

CHAPTER IX. 

Delaware 153 

CHAPTER X. 

Pennsylvania 154 — 158 

CHAPTER XI. 

Maryland 158—162 

CHAPTER XII. 

North Carolina 162 — 166 

CHAPTER XIII. 

South Carolina 166—170 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Georgia 170—174 

CHAPTER XV. 

French and Indian War 174—191 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Causes of the Revolution • . 191 — 208 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Revolutionary War — Campaign of 1775 208—224 

CHAPTER XVIIl. 
Campaign of 1776 224 — 235 

PART II. 

CHAPTER I. 
Conclusion of Campaign of 1776 235—266 

CHAPTER II. 
Campaign of 1777 266—302 

CHAPTER III. 
Campaign of 1778 302—313 

CHAPTER IV. 
C.-anpaign of 1779 313—324 



Xii CONTENTS. 

Page 

CHAPTER V. 
Campaign of 1780 324— 33G 

CHAPTER VI. 
Campaign of 1781 336—350 



PART III. 

CHAPTER I. 

Washington's Administration 350 — 358 

CHAPTER II. 

Adams' Administration 358 — 3G2 

CHAPTER III. 

Jefferson's Administration 362 — 368 

CHAPTERS IV., v., VI., VII. 

Madison's Administration — War with England — Campaigns 

of 1812, '13, '14 368—396 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Monroe's Administration 396 — 400 

CHAPTER IX. 

J. a. Adams' Administration. 400—403 

CHAPTER X. 

Jackson's Administration 403 — 409 

CHAPTER XI. 

Van Buren's Administration 409 — 413 

CHAPTER XII. 

Harrison's Administration 413 — 416 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Tyler's Administration 416 — 419 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Polk's Administration— War with Mexico 419 — 447 



^istori) of tl)e ISniteb States. 



AMERICAI ANTIQUITIES 



AND 



DISCOVERIES IN THE WEST. 




HE leading incidents in the 
history of the old world have 
been recorded by the pen of 
faithful historians, either sa- 
cred or profane. Th^ Bible, 
the only book that has moved 
along upon the great stream 
of time and not been ingulphed in its eddying 
whirlpools, has thrown upon the earlier nations 
the bright light of inspiration. It commenced a 
clear and historical chain of events, stretching 
from the birth-day of Creation to the deluge, and 
from the deluge to the destruction of Jerusalem by 
Titus. 

2. In looking at the old world, we huve spread 
out before us a gran^ panorama of six thousand 
years. We can trace its events, witnessing the 
different nations, which have stepped upon tiie 
theati'e of life and then passed away, while the 



What 13 
said of 
the lead- 
ing inci- 
dents in 
the his- 
tory of 
the old 
world ? 

Of the 



What is 
said of 
the old 
WO! Id 1 



14 AMERICAN ANTIQ.UITIES. 

finger of time has written ruin and desolation on 
the proud temples and monuments of art, which 
they vainly deemed to be eternal, and scattered 
dust in the halls and palaces of their kings. The 
events which cluster so thickly around each point 
in the career of these ancient nations, make their 
history full of peculiar interest. 

3. As the antiquarian wanders among the broken 
columns and scattered fragments of their ruined 
cities, the very small portions of their history with 
which he is acquainted give double interest to the 
scene. He stands by the broken gates of Thebes, 
upon her shattered walls, and gazes upon the stu- 
pendous ruins of that now silent and pulseless 
city. The veil is lifted from the past, his mind 
glances back through the long, dim vista of buried 
centuries, and he hears the th robbings of her 
mighty heart, the thundering tramp of her men- 
at-arms^ as they sweep with waving crests, and 
burnished arms, in battle array through her broad 
gates. He listens, as the rays of the sun stream 
over the hills, and light up those shafts and 
domes. He hears strains of sweetest music, filling 
the air with its rich melody, pouring out from 
Memnon's temple, as if its tones were instinct with 
life. 

4. There, by its base, stands the sightless, bald- 
headed Homer, striking the harp of poesy with so 
bold a hand, as to fill all Greece with music, and 
send its immortal strains onv^ard through all time. 
He standsiupon the site of ancient Troy, and there 
pass before his vision the armed hosts of Greece, 
Ajax, Agamemnon, and the god-like Achilles, bat- 



thu iiiiti 
quiiriiiii, 
as he 
looks 



ANTiaUlTIES PULL OF INTEREST. 15 

tVmg with Trojan Hector and Priam for the beau- 
tiful Helen. He enters the ruined cities of the 
Pharaohs, wanders through the three thousand 
chambers of her mighty pyramids, descends into 
the sepulchres of her dead, and drags out from their 
long rest of thousands of years, the bodies of the 
kings and great men of Egypt, who sat upon the 
throne, and moved in splendor in those days when 
Israel groaned beneath their heavy weight of bond- 
age, slaves to their oppressors. As he stands on 
the cast-up mounds of what was once Babylon, and 
looks around him upon the wide scene of desola- 
tion — the waters of the Euphrates rolling over a what of 
portion of the city — he sees the fulfilment of a 
prophecy of God, pronounced thousands of years ^^j^^,, j^e 
before, when that nation was glorying in its strength fil/byion? 
and power. " I will also make it a possession for 
the bittern, and pools of water ; and I will sweep 
it with the besom of destruction, saith the Lord of 
Hosts." 

5. Wander where he will through those ancient 
cities, and over the graves of those buried na- 
tions, scenes constantly start up before his eyes, 
made sacred by the pen of inspiration, the fulfil- 
ment of prophecy, the tongue of the orator, or the 
harp of poesy and song ; and every crumbling city, 
every hill and mountain, every stream of water has 
Its own peculiar tale to tell. Hence, we have grown 
more familiar with those ancient nations than with thut^ we 

have 

the antiquities and earher history of our own coun- |;oj^" 
try. Indeed, travelers seem never to have known, Sh"^' 
or to have forgotten, in their enthusiastic researches ancient 
and admiration of the ruins of the old world, that thun our 



16 AMERICAN AXTiaUITIES. 

What do there exists a vast continent, far beyond those lands 
s^em ^ to of poesy and song — beyond the broad bosom of 
fheir"ad" ^^^® Atlantic — containing hills and mountains, rivers 
oTfhT ^^d lakes, far more stupendous and magnificent 
tillf'oki tlian any thins^ of which either Asia or Europe can 

world? , f , 1 . . 

boast: that here, on tins western continent, we are 
living — are moving over the tombs of nations, as 
ancient, and as far advanced in civilization as 
the Roman, the Persian, Chaldean, or Egyptian — 
that we are surrounded by the ruins of cities and 
fortresses, which bear evident marks of having been 
constructed hundreds of years before the landing 
of Columbus upon our shores, and by a race of men 
cotemporary with the Egyptians and Romans. 

6. No country in the world presents so broad a 

What IS '' ^ 

St'^'lu?''^ field for study as does our own : none so rich in an- 
comitiy? cient ruins, in mineral wealth, in internal resources, 
bold, majestic mountains, in vast inland seas, and 
in rivers, forming channels of communication witli 
the ocean, thousands of miles in every direction into 
the interior of the country. 

7. North America stretches from north to south, 
tent?^''' 5,600 miles, and from east to west, 4,000, covering 

over an extent of 7,200,000 square miles. The 
middle portion comprises the United States, to the 
history of which our attention will be more partic- 
ularly directed. It contains more than 2,300,000 
square miles. The eastern shore is washed through- 
out the whole extent by the waves of the Atlantic, 
and its western resounds Avith the roar of the Pa- 
cific. 

8. It has Niagara thundering on its northern 
boimdaries. connected with the great Lakes, whose 



RIVERS OF THE WEST. 17 



waters it pours into the river St. liawrence, through ^^^^^ .^ 
which great artery they are conveyed 750 miles to Sgreat 
the ocean. From the western face of the Allegha- Ssl" 
nies, a range of mountains presenting some of the 
most subhme scenery in the world, the Ohio takes 
its rise, and flows for 1,000 miles, until it empties 
itself into the Mississippi, the great father of waters, 
whose source is found at the extreme northern 
frontier of the United States, and winds on its ser- 
pentine course through every variety of climate and 
soil, 3,600 miles, until it discharges its swollen and 
turbid waters into the Mediterranean of the West, 
the Gulf of Mexica 

9. Far back, toward the setting sun, on the 
eastern side of the Rocky Mountains, formed by the 
trickling streams which flow down its channeled 
sides, the Missouri, another mighty river, takes its 
rise, and sweeps on through a country teeming with 
the most luxuriant vegetation, 4,000 miles, until it 
pours its dark volume into the Mississippi. These 
are some of the great streams which, like arteries, 
pervade every part of the country, causing it to bud 
and blossom like the rose, and teem with life and 
vegetation. On our northern shores lie vast inter- 
nal seas, more than 400 miles in extent. 

10. What nation, or what country in the world, 
can boast of mountains, lakes, and rivers like our 
own ? But we are not to suppose that this country 
has remained quiet and undisturbed during the ter- 
rible commotions of nature which have shaken the 
eastern world. The same great causes which 
plowed a channel for the Black Sea to the Medi- 
terranean, opened a passage through the Straits of 



V.hat 



18 AMERICAN ANTIQ.UITIES. 

Gibraltar for its waters to the ocean, overwhelmed 
with a Hood of fire Pompeii and Ilerculaneum, 
hurled up from the bottom of the sea vast islands, and 
rolled its waves over others, have been at work here. 

11. The whole land, from north to south and 
^^id of fi-oi^^ east to west, plainly shows the change which 
fS has been produced by these great agents. Many 
JM^o.iuced of the vales of our rivers w^ere once the bottoms of 
c^uBiry? immense lakes; and now, where the tops of the 

tallest forests wave, or where the towering spires of 
many a Cliristian temple make glad with their 
sight the heart of civilized man ; and where are the 
smoking chimneys of his wide-spread habitations ; 
once sported (long, perhaps, before the advent of our 
Saviour) the monstrous lake-serpent and finny tribe, 
or birds of bright plumage passed along the horizon. 

12. We look to the soil, where grazes the peace- 
ful flock — to the fields, where wave a thousand har- 
vests — to the air above, where play the wings of 
the low-flighted swallow — and to the roads, where 
the passing wheels denote the course of men — and 
say, can this be so ? Yes ; where the waves once 
rolled is now fixed the foundation of many a state- 
ly mansion, the dwelling of man. Such the muta- 
tion of matter and the change of habitation. 

13. The principal ridges of the Alleghany, Blue 
What Ridge, &c., run in a transverse direction to most 
Is'^'ev?- of the ffreat rivers, so that their mounds nuist have 

dent '»,',,, 

3he .sns- been broken throusrh, to make a way to the sea from 
"omal"' the bosom of the valleys. This is evident in the 
and^Dc'i- Potomac, Susquehannah, Delaware, James rivers, 
rivers? aud othcrs, where they issue from the confines of 
the mountains to enter the lower coimtrv. 



ANCIENT LAKES. 19 

14. The Potomac, three miles below the mouth ^^^^.^^ j^ 
of the Shenandoah, gives a striking example of this Sld'^of 
fact. It here dashes and foams along upon its tomac? 
rocky bed, through what is evidently a breach in 

the Blue Ridge, about twelve hundred yards wide, 
and three hundred and fifty yards high. This 
chasm plainly displays traces of an ancient wall, 
composed of grey quartz, which once dammed up 
the river, forming immense lakes, that stretched 
far back over a great extent of territory. 

15. The valley of the Shenandoah and Conigo- ^v',,at 
cheague must have been the basin of a single great probabi?; 
lake, extending from Staunton to Chambersburg. fj^''^ 
The upper branches of the James river would have ["P'tj-jg 
swelled it with their waters, and finding no obsta- dSa'nj 
cle below, must have extended not only to the Sus- ciieagive? 
quehannah and Schuylkill, but even to the Delaware. 
The outlets to these vast lakes must have been 
over the rocky walls of the mountain barriers, which 
have since broken : thus they would have formed 

falls of the most magnificent description, which had 
thundered in their descent from the time of Noah's 
flood till the rupture of the ridge took place, and 
the immense lake, drained of its waters, laid open 
a tract of rich soil to the genial warmth of the sun. 

16. There is every reason to suppose that the 
Hudson was checked in its passage to the sea, by a have 
chain of rocks stretching across the present chan- 
nel, at the Highlands, causing the waters to extend 
over a considerable surface of the country, in the 
form of a large lake. A strong argument favoring ^r^^^ 
this theory exists in the presence of alluvia, petri- vo« %i» 
fied shells, &c., found along the banks, in different 



Whrif 
clianses 



been 
made in 
the Hud- 
son ? 



20 AMERICAN ANTIQUITIES. 

parts of the valley of the Hudson, and in fact, in 
the valleys of most of our large rivers. 
What 17'. These ancient lakes, now drained by the 

"uppo."d breaking away of their mounds, explain very beau- 
have tifully the appearance observed in the valleys of 
Jakes 7 s^cJi rivers as are supposed to have been once 
lakes, as the Tennessee, the Kentucky, the Missis- 
sippi, the Kanhaway, and the Ohio. This appear- 
whatap- ance is the several stages or flats, observed on the 
jn these baiiks of thcsc rivers, and most of the rivers of 

rivers is _ ' ' 

by'^'thls'^ America, showing that subsequently the waters of 

theory? ^^ riycrs wcrc higher, but as the mounds which 

dammed up their course became gradually broken 

away by the weight of the mass above them, the 

waters being thus drained off, new marks of em- 

what of bankment would be formed, far below the original 

of the ones, circumscribing, bv a larffe distance, the chan- 

Ohioi ' &5 J to ? 

nel of the river. This is very perceptible on the 
Ohio, at Cincinnati, where the original bank is 
nearly 50 feet above the present level of the river. 
18. When we examine the arrangement of these 
SrthL" flats, we are furnished with indubitable evidence 
ihy'riv- that the place where the city of Cincinnati now 
stands was once, not only the seat of waters, but the 
primitive bed of the river, which appears to have 
had three different periods of decline, till it has sunk 
to its present bed or channel. The level of the 
second flat of the Ohio, which is the general surface 
of the country, is no more than 70 feet below Lake 
Erie ; consequently, a mound of two hundred feet at 
Silver Creek, six hundred miles down the Ohio 
from Pittsburg (where there is every reason to sup- 
pose that a chain of hills stretched across the pre- 



Where is 
prill- 



SEA-COAL. 21 

sent bed of thfe river), would have been sufficient to 
keep back its waters, not only as far as Lake Erie, 
but even to spread them from the last slopes of the 
AUeghanies to the north of Lake Superior. 

18. The existence of ancient lakes explains why, 

in every part of the basin of the Ohio, the land is ^.^,,^ j^ 
always leveled in horizontal beds of different heights, expiklnM 
and why we find m various places, remams oi trees, ep-^lence 
of osier, and other plants. It also accounts beau- f^^^^^f 
tifuUy for the formation of immense beds of sea- 
coal found in the western country, in particular dis- 
tricts. From the researches which the inhabitants 
have made, it appears that the principal seat of coal the'* 
is above Pittsburgh, in the space between the Lau- o^^ea 
rel Mountain and the Alleghany and Monongahela 
rivers, where exists almost throughout, a stratum, 
at the average depth of twelve or sixteen feet. 
This stratum is supported by the horizontal bed of 
calcarious stones, and covered with strata of schists 
and slate. 

19. On the hypothesis of the great lake of 
which we have spoken, this part will be found to 
have been originally the lower extremity of the 
lake, and the part, where its being kept back would 
have occasioned still water. Coal is formed of 
heaps of trees carried away by rivers and floods, 
and afterward covered with earth. The rivers that 
flow from the Alleghany and Laurel Mountains 
into the basin of the Ohio, finding toward Pitts- 
burgh the dead waters and tail of the great lake, 
there deposited the thousands of trees and driftwood 
which they had washed down in the freshets. 
These trees were accumulated in strata, level as 



iMissis 



22 AMERICAN ANTiaUITIES. 

the fluid that bore them : and the mound of the 
lake sinkhig gradually, as we have explained, the 
tail Avas likewise lowered by degrees, and the place 
of deposit changed as the lake receded, forming that 
vast bed, which, in the lapse of ages, has been cov- 
ered with earth and gravel, and acquired the min- 
eral properties of coal, the state in which we find it. 
Coal is found in several other paits of the United 
States, and always in circumstances analogous to 
those we have just described. 
What is 20. ,The lower part of the Mississippi river gives 
the exis; us manv evidences that the waters were once dam- 

tence ot •' 

Lke'Tn wied up, foiming above them a lake which filled up 
leyoltlie a large poition of its valley. The West India 
islands are supposed by naturalists to have been 
the Atlantic coast of the continent : the breaking 
aw^ay of the mound confining the immense body of 
water, which once covered an almost boundless 
portion of the West, must, beyond doubt, have raised 
the Atlantic so as to submerge in its increase many 
a sunny spot along its coasts, leaving only the more 
elevated tracts above the surface of the water, in 
which we now see the numerous islands on our 
eastern shore, and on the Gulf of Mexico. 

21. Though the northern parts of North Ameri- 
ca have been known to us but about two centuries, 
ducerby yet, duriug that time, no less than forty-five earth- 
iirthe - quakes have occurred, many of them so severe as 
Worth? ^^ prostrate houses, dry up wells and streams of wa- 
ter. The shocks of these earthquakes extended 
north-east, and south-west, particularly aflect- 
ing the direction of Lake Ontario, and were 
attended by a fetid smell of sulphur. Volney sup- 



AVhal 
changes 
have 
been pro 



action 
around 
Lake U 11- 



EARTHaUAKES AND VOLCANOES. 23 

poses, from the singular structure of this lake, that what 
it was once the crater of a vast volcano. Another ^^fc^fjc 
reason for this supposition is the great depth of the 
lake, being ' generally upward of three hundred Taii. 
feet, and in many places the bottom cannot be 
found with a line of forty rods. Volcanic produc- 
tions are found in vast quantities on its shores. 
Whether this idea of Volney is correct, or not, the 
northern part of this country, especially in the vi- 
cinity of Lake Ontario, bears strong marks of hav- 
ing been exposed to the action of those two power- 
ful agents, fire and water, which are constantly 
producing such niighty changes in the universe of 
matter, 

22. We have now glanced briefly at the general 
face of the country, the changes which have been 
produced by the draining of the vast internal lakes, 
the formation of sea-coal, &c., and shall now touch 
upon tliose ancient ruins of cities, mounds, and for- 
tifications, in which this country is so peculiarly 
rich. 

23. Foreign travelers complain that America 
presents nothing like j'uins within her boundaries ; 
no ivy-mantled towers, nor moss-covered turrets, as 
in other quarters of the earth. Old Fort Putnam, 
on the Hudson, rearing its lofty decayed sides higli 
above West Point ; or the venerable remains of 
tv/o wars at Ticonderoga, upon Lake Champlain, 
they say, afford something of the kind. But what 
are moiklering castles, falling turrets, or crumbling 
abbeys, in comparison with those ancient and arti- 
ficial aboriginal hills which liave outlived s^enera- 



24 AMERICAN ANTIQUITIES. 

tions, and even all tradition— the workmanship of 
unknown hands ! Here are skeletons of strange 
forms, unknown to the Indians ; preserved bodies, 
fortifications, immense mounds and tujiiuli, which, 
from their number, obscurity of origin and magni- 
tude, are to be ranked among the wonders of an- 
cient, things. It remains for America to tell tlje 
story of her antiquities — to arouse her virtuosi and 
antiquarians to the search ; for here, beyond a 
doubt, are traits of nations coeval with ancient, 
and probably with the oldest works of man, this 
side the flood. 
Where 24. These mounds and fortifications are gener- 

ure these n /> i /-mi 

mounds, ally found on fertile bottoms, and near rivers. 

<!tc.,gen- ■^ ' 

found? Several hundreds have been discovered along the 

valley of the Mississippi ; the largest of which 

stands not far from WheeHng, on the Ohio. This 

mound is fifty rods in circumference, and ninety 

the*" ° feet in perpendicular height. It is filled with thou- 

Wheel- sands of human skeletons, and was probably situa- 

'"^' ted near some great city, and was a general deposit 

of the dead for ages — where they were placed in 

gradation, one layer above another, till they reached 

the top. 

25. Judging from the large trees growing on the 
mound, amid old and decayed timber covered with 
mould and leaves, showing them to be of the 
second or third growth, it must have been at least 
twelve hundred years since it was deserted. 
What of 26. At Marietta extensive fortifications are 

the forti- 

llmlxi- found, consisting of walls and mounds of earth, 

*^^' running in straight Hues, from six to ten feet high, 

and nearly forty broad at their base. There is 



FORTIFICATIONS IN OHIO. 25 



also at this place a fort of this ancient description, 
which incloses nearly fifty acres of land. There 
are openings in this fortification, supposed to have 
heen, when thronged with its ownhusy multitudes, 
used as gateways, Avith a passage from one of 
them, formed by two parallel walls' of earth, lead- 
ing toward the river. This fort gives us some- 
thing of an idea, not only of the power of the 
l)uilders, but the strength of their enemy. These -^vhar 
fonilications correspond, in almost every respect, have we 
with the Roman forts and camps ; and^it is hi":hlv poseThat 

^ ' & J these Ibr- 

probable, as we shall hereafter show, that they were Sara 
constructed by that nation. maifori- 

27. Any one, on looking at the account given by ^'"" 
Joseph us of the forms of the Roman camps, in his 
Book 5, chap. 5, page 219, will be surprised at the 
striking similarity between the two ; a similarity 
w^hich could not have been the result of chance. 

Dr. Morse says the forts of the Romans in Eng- 
land were universally square; and those of the 
ancient Danes, Belgse and Saxons, were distinguish- 
ed by being round. Here, too, are the parallel 
walls, the ditch, the elevated squares at its corners, 
the parapets and gateways, like those of the Romans. 

At the time that the Romans held Britain as a 
province, their character was "a martial and a mar- 
itime one. They possessed a sufficient knowledge 
of navigation to traverse the ocean, by means of 
the stars and the sun. Their ships, as early as the 
year 55 before Christ, were large and heavy ; and 
it was equally in their power to have found Ame- 
rica by chance, as well as other nations — the Welsh 
or the Scandinavians, who ipade a settlement 

2. 



26 AMERICAN ANTIQUITIES. , 

at the mouth of the St. Lawrence in the year 
1000. 

What re- 28. In the month of December. 1827, a planter 

lies ot an- ' -m/r 

^^^I'^y discovered in a field, a short distance from Monte 
Brazfif Video, a sort of tomb-stone, upon which strange, 
and to him unknown characters were engraved. 
He caused this stone, which covered a small exca- 
vation formed with masonry, to be raised, in which 
. he found two exceedingly ancient swords, a helmet, 
and shield, which had suffered much from rust ; 
also an eafthen vessel of large capacity. Greek 
words were easily made out upon them, which, 
when translated, read as follows : 

" During the dominion of Alexander the son of 
* Philip, King of Macedon, in the sixty-third Olym- 

piadj Ptolemais" it was impossible to decypher 

the rest, on account of the ravages of time on the 
engraving of the sto-ne. 

29. On the handle of one of the swords is the 
portrait of a man, supposed to be Alexander the 
Great. On the helmet there is sculptured work, 
that must have been executed with the most ex- 
quisite skill, representing Achilles dragging the 
To what corpse of Hector round the walls of Troy, a scene 
sfon'^are takcu fi'om Homcr's Iliad. From the discovery of 

WG led 

from these relics it is quite clear that the soil of Brazil 
has been dug by some of the old Greeks, who lived 
near the time of Alexander. It is highly probable 
that some of the Grecian navigators, in their voy- 
ages of discovery, of which they made many, were 
driven upon the southern coast, and left behind 
them this monument to preserve the memory of 
their voyage to so distant a country. 



lelics ? 



^ GREEK DISCOVERIES. 27 

30. Eratosthenes, a Greek philosopher, niathe- 

' r r 7 What IS 

matician and historian, who flourished two hundred f^Syg?^ 
years before Christ, mentions the name of Pytheas, '*"^"'''- 
who lived in the time of Alexander the Great, as 
being a Greek philosopher, geographer and astron- 
omer, as well as a voyager^ if not an admiral, 
as he made several voyages into the Atlantic 
Ocean. There was a great liability of these adven- 
turers being driven off in a western direction, not 
only by the current which sets always toward 
America, but also by the trade-xuinds^ which* blow 
in the same direction for several months in the 
year. 

31. In 1821, on the bank of the river Desperes, what 
in Missouri, was found by an Indian a Roman [lave 

' '' been nis- 

coiii^ which was presented to Gov. Clark. A Per- "oveied? 
sian coin was also discovered near a spring in the 
Ohio some feet under ground. 

The remains of foftner dwellings, hearths and ^hat of 
fire-places^ and bones of animals in immense quan- mainroV 
titles, are found along the banks of the Ohio, many fi^eii- 
feet under ground ; while above these former habi- 
tations of men are found growing trees^ as large • 
as any in the surrounding forest. Surely, this car- 
ries us back into the dark past^ and tells us* a 
mournful tale of the overthrow of mighty nations, 
and the final extinction of their name from the 
earth. 

32. Lexington, in Kentucky, stands nearly on ^„ 
the site of an ancient town, of great extent and ^ 
raaffnificence, which is amply evinced by the wide found 

n . , : -^ . . nearLex- 

range oi its works covermg a great quantity oi ington? 
ground. 



hat 

ruins 

ave 



2S AMERICAN ANTiaUITlES. i^ 

There is connected with the antiquities of this 
place a catacomb, formed in the bowels of the 
limestone rock, about fifteen feet below the surface 
of the earth. This was discovered in 1775 by 
some of the first settlers, w^hose curiosity was ex- 
, cited by the singular appearance of the stones 
the cata- which covcred the entrance to the cavern. They 

comb -' 

tThvKi removed the stones, when was laid open to their 
vie\v the mouth of a cave, deep, gloomy, and terri- 
fic, as they supposed. Providing themselves with 
lights'and companions, they descended and entered 
without obstruction a spacious apartment. The 
sides and extreme ends were formed into niches 
and compartments, and occupied by figuies, repre- 
senting men. When their alarm had sufficiently 
subsided to permit them to pursue their investiga- 
tions, they found these figures . to be mumriiies, 
preserved, by the art of embalming, in as great a 
state of perfection as any tl%t have been dug out 
of the tombs in Egypt, where they have remained 
more than three thousand years. Unfortunately 
for antiquity and science, this inestimable discov- 

^ ery was made by an ignorant class of people, at a. 

period when a bloody and inveterate war was car- 
ried on between the Indians and whites. 

33. The whites, indignafit at the many outrages 
of committed by the Indians, wreaked their hatred 
and revenge upon every thing connected with 
them. Supposing this to be a burying-place for 
their dead, they dragged them out to the open air, 
tore open their bandages, kicked the bodies into 
dust, and made a general bonfire of the most an- 
cient remains antiquity could boast. The descent 



What be 

came 

the 

mum 

miesi 



CATACOMB NEAR LEXINGTON. 29 



What of. 
the ex- 
tent of 
this cav- 
ern? 



to this cavern is gradual — the width four feet, the 
height seven, and the whole length of the catacomb 
was found to be eighteen rods and a half, and the 
width six and a half; and calculating from the 
niches and shelvings on the sides, it was capable of 
containing at least two thousand subjects. 

34. Here they had lain, perhaps, for thousands 
of years, embalmed and placed there by the same 
race of men with those who built the Pyramids of 
Egypt, and whoexcavated their tombs in the earth, ' 
or in the rocky mountain sides. What changes 
had passed over the world since they were deposit- 
ed there in their quiet resting-place by the hands 
of afTection ! Over the ruins of their cities a new 
race flourished. Earth had grown old and hoary, 
and time had crumbled their monuments into 
dust. J 

35. The conviction forces itself irresistibly upon ^^r^^ ^^^ 
our mind, that the 'people who made this cav- to"h!ive 
ern and filled it v\ith the thousands of their em- fomers'^ 
balmed dead were indeed from Egypt. If they ^^'^j^, 
were not, whither shall we turn for a solution of 

this mystery ? The North American Indians were 
never known to form catacombs for their dead, or 
to be acquainted with the art of preservation by 
embalming. 

Catacombs are numerous all over Eg^ypt — vast 
excavations, with niches in their sides for their em- 
balmed dead, exactly such as the one we have de- 
scribed. This custom is purely Egyptian, and was 
practised in the earliest age of their national ex- 
istence. 

36. A trait of national practice, so strong and 



30 AMERICAN ANTIQUITIES. 

Why are Palpable as is this peculiar art, should lead the mind 
heve^^' to a belief that wherever the thing is practised, we 
o/Egyp^ have found in its authors either a colony from Egypt, 
K'"' or the descendants of some nation in Africa ac- 
quainted with the art. 

37. But if this be so, the question here arises, 
how came they to America, since the shortest dis- 

■^rhat tance between America and Africa is about 1700 
voj'apes miles? This question is easily answered. The 

fli'l the . -r, . . . , , 

JJ^>p- ancient Jbgyptians were a maritime people ; and we 
make? f^j^^ ^[fg^^ ^g fg^^ j^ack as B. c. 1485 years, one Dana- 
us, with his fifty daughters, sailed into Greece and 
anchored at Rhodes. 881 years after the landing 
of this vessel at Rhodes, we find the Egyptians, un- 
der the direction of Necho, their king, fitting out 
some Phenicians with a fleet, with directions to sail 
from the Red Sea quite around the continent of Af- 
rica, and to return by the Mediterranean, which 
they effected ; thus performing a voyage of more 
than 16,000 miles — two-thirds of the distance 
around the earth. It is true they were -without the 
use of the compass and magnet ; yet they Avere 
much more careful in the knowledge of the heav- 
enly bodies than navigators at present. 

38. From the western coast of Africa there is a 
constant current of the sea setting toward Arner- 
ica : so that if a vessel were lost it would naturally 
reach at last the American coast. Egypt and the 
West India islands are both between 20 and 30 de- 

• grees north. Sailing from Egypt out of the Medi- 



H.)w 

COIlhl 

^|'4^ terranebn, through the Straits of Gibraltar, would 

reached 
Am'rica? 



throw a vessel, in case of an easterly storm, aided 
by the c"^^rrent, as high north as opposite the Baha- 



ANCIENT RUINS. 31 

ma islands. TJie trade-winds sweep westward 
across the Atlantic, through a space of 50 or 60 de- 
grees of longitude, carrying every thing within their 
current directly to the American coast. Kentucky 
is but five degrees north of Egypt ; so that a band 
of adventurers could easily have been driven near 
the eastern coast on the Gulf of Mexico, and there 
found in our majestic Mississippi something like 
the Nile. 

39. On the banks of the Muskingum, and at ^^.^^^ 
Circleville, are the ruins of immense walls, forts, Siid'^'^® 
mounds and wells, built, many of them, of beauti- SueT 
fully hewn stone, and according to the most scien- 
tific principles of architecture. At Paint Creek, in 
Ohio, are works of art more wonderful than any creek?" 
yet described. They are six in number, and are in 

the immediate neigTiborhood of each other. In one 
of those, grand inclosures are contained three forts : 
one embraces 17, another 27, a third 77, amount- 
ing in all to 115 acres of land. 

40. There are fourteen gateways leading out of 

the works, from one to six rods in width — at the Sfem"^^ 
outside of each of these gateways is an ancient 
well, from four to six rods in width at the top. 
Within the large inclosure is an elliptical elevation 
25 feet in height, 100 feet in circumference, and fill- 
ed with human bones. The elevation is perfectly 
smooth and level on the top, and it may have been 
a place where the priests of their religion sacrificed 
human beings before the vast throng Avhich con- 
gregated around the mound to witness the bloody 
rites. 

41. New discoveries are constantly being made 



32 AMERICAN ANTiaUITIES. 

of these ancient ruins. These wojks are alike in 
their construction, and contain articles similar to 
those found in mounds in Europe, Asia and Af- 
rica. ' Some have supposed that all of the great 
works of the West which we have noticed belong 
to our present race of Indians ; but, from continual 
mVSs wars with each other, they have driven themselves 
Supposed from agricultural pursuits, and thinned their num- 
these bers, until they have been reduced to savasreism. 

great ' -^ _ _ '^ _ 

belong? Have our present race of Indians ever buried their 
dead in mounds by thousands ? Were they ac- 
quainted with the use of silver or copper ? These 
metals, most curiously wrought, have been found. 
Did our ancient Indians burn the bodies of distin- 

What 

eviden- g^ig^ed chlcfs ou fuucral piles, and then raise a 



ces are 

to'^the'^ lofty tumulus over the urn containing their ashes ? 



Did the Indians erect any thing like the walled 
towns on Paint Creek ? Did they ever dig such 
wells as are found at Marietta, Portsmouth, and 
above all, such as those at Paint Creek ? Did 
they ever manufacture vessels from calcarious brec- 
cia, equal to any now made in Italy ? 

42. To this we respond, they never have : no, 
not even their traditions afford a glimpse of the ex- 
istence of such things as forts, tumuli, roads, wells, 
mounds, walls inclosing between one and two hun- 
Ired — and even five hundred acres of land ; some 
of them of stone, others of earth, twenty feet in 
thickness and very high, are works requiring too 
much labor for Indians ever to have performed. 
The skeletons found in the mounds never belonged 
Describe to a pcople like our Indians. The latter are tall 

the skel- r r 

and rather slender, straight-limbed people ; but 



etuna. 



WELSH COLONY. 3S 

those found in the barrows and tumuh, were rarely 
over five feet high ; their foreheads were low, their 
faces were very short and wide, their eyes large, 
and their chins very broad. 

43. Weapons of brass have been found in many 
parts of America ; as in the Canadas, Florida, &,c., 
with curiously w^rought stones ; all of which go to 
prove that this coimtry was once peopled with civ- 
ilized and industrious nations. 

44. The celebrated Lord Monboddo, philosopher 
and metaphysician, spent some time on the study ' 
of the oritrin of lano^uao;es, and was a firm believer ^^^^ ^ 

o J5 o 7 What 

in the account of America having been visited by o,!inion^ 
a colony from Wales, long previous to the discovery moiM- 
of Columbus ; and savs the fact is well recorded by ^PvcMug 
several Welsh historians, and cannot be contested. ^^5°"? •" 
Tliere are many circumstances which render this "'''^" 
probable. Of late years, accounts have been re- 
ceived of a nation inhabiting a region a great dis- 
tance up the* Missouri, in manners and appearance 
resembling the other Indians, but speaking Welsh, 
and retaining some ceremonies of Christian wor- 
ship. Imlay, in his history of America, says thit is 
universally believed to be a fact. 

45. On the head-waters of the Red river is 
a tribe calling themselves the McCedas tribe, 
whose manners, customs, and speech resemble ^lil^'is 
the Welsh. Powel, in his history of Wales, in Pouei? 
the 1 2th century, speaks of a lost colony ; and 
also of the voyage of Madoc, son of Owen Groyn- 
wedk, prince of Wales, who becoming dissatisfied 

at home, started on a voyage west^ in quest of 
some XiQ\Y country, in which to settle. He. found 
2* 



34 



AMERICAN ANTIQ,UITIES. 



there a pleasant home ; and after a while returned 

to Wales and persuaded many of his countrymen 

to join him ; he put to sea again with ten ships, 

and there the Welsh historian stops, for their story 

was never known at home. 

What of 46. Lord Monboddo says that America was vis- 

liarcot ited by Norwegians long before this lost colony left 

Ameri- Walcs. Tlicy came from Greenland, which they 

discovered in the year 964. He endeavors to prove 

in his most curious and interesting book, that Ame- 

' rica w^as peopled as soon after the flood as any 

other country as far from Ararat, and perhaps soon- 

'* er. He supposes the people of the old world to 

have had a knowledge of this country as early as 

the siege of Troy, about 1100 years b. c. 

A very plausible account of the discoveries of 
count of these northern islanders is ffiven by Snoro Sturle- 

the (lis- , , , , ^ •' 

cover) of ggn, in his chronicle of King Olaus. He says, one 

men*''is Blom of Icclaud, voyaging to Greenland in search 

Inoro ^ of his fatlicr, from whom he had been separated by 

^o"? a storm, was driven by tempestuous weather far 

to the south-west, until he came in sight of a low 

country covered with woods, with an island in its 

vicinity. His account of the country he had seen 

excited the enterprise of Leif, son of Eric Rauder, 

the first settler of Greenland. 

47. A vessel was fitted out, and Leif and Biorn 
departed together in quest of this unknown land. 
They found a rocky island, to which they gave the 
name of Helleland ; also a low, sandy country, to 
which they gave the name of Markland ; and tw^o 
days afterward they observed a continuance of the 
coast, with an island to the north of it. This last 



DISCOVERIES OF THE NORTHMEN. 35 

they described as fertile, well wooded, producing 
agreeable fruits — and particularly grapes, a fruit 
with which they were not acquainted ; but on being 
informed by one of their companions, a German, of its 
qualities and name, they called the country Vineland. 

48. They ascended a river well stored with fish, 
particularly salmon, and came to a lake from which 
the river took its origin, where they passed the 
winter. It is very probable that this river was the 
St. Lawrence, and the lake, Ontario. It is said by 
the same writer that the relatives of Leif made sev- 
eral voyages to Yineland ; that they traded with 
the natives for peltry and furs ; and that in 1121, 
a bishop, named Eric, went from Greenland to Vine- 
land to convert the inhabitants to Christianity. 

49. There is every appearance that the tribe g^^.y^^^ 
which still exists in the interior of Newfoundland, {'ibe'V 
and who are so different from the other savages of 
North America, both in appearance and mode of 
living, are descendants of the ancient Normans, 
Scandinavians or Danes. 

50. In the year 1354 a fishing squadron was 
driven about the sea by a mighty tempest, for many 
days, until a boat, containing seven persons, was 
cast upon an island, called Estotiland, about one 
thousand miles from Friesland. They were taken 
to a populous city, the inhabitants of whicl^ were 
intelligent and acquainted with the mechanical arts 
of Europe. They cultivated grain, made beer, and 
lived in stone houses. In the king's library were 
Latin manuscript books. They had many towns 
and castles, and carried on a trade with Greenland 
for pitch, sulphur, ana peltrj^ 



ISew- 
foiin.l- 
l:mil sup- 
posed to 
be de- 
scended ? 



36 AMERICAN ANTIQUITIES. 

51. Finding the Frieslanders acquainted with 
the compass (which they had never seen), they 
lielct thein in. great esteem, and the king sent them 
with twelve barks to visit a country farther south, 
where they found in their travels a civihzed region 
where the people had a knowledge of gold and sil- 
ver, lived in cities, and sacrificed human victims in 
their splendid temples. 

A distinguished writer of Copenhagen possesses 
ancient genuine documents, showing that America 
was discovered soon after Greenland, and that it 
was again visited in the 11th, 12th, and 13th cen- 
turies. 

52. The remains of stone houses, w^alls and for- 
mS ^Ne tifications, iron tools, and various mechanical in- 
fh.'se n- struments, wdiich are found in different parts of the 

mains to ' _ ^ 

Euro*jfe- couiitry, coiupare w ith those in Europe about the 
ginT'' 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th centuries ; from which we 
conclude them to be w holty of European origin. 

53. In Onondaga county, N. Y., is^the site of an 
ancient burying-ground, on wdiich timber of the 

mS'are sccoiid growtli w^as grow^iig — judging from the old 
timber reduced to mould lying round — which was 
a hundred years old, as ascertained by counting the 
concentric grains. In one of the graves was found 
a glass bottle, and an iron hatchet edged w4th steel. 
The eye, or place for the helve, was round, and 
projected like the ancient German axe. In the 
same tow^n w^ere found the remains of a black- 
smith's forge, and crucibles, such as mineralogists 
use in refining metals. 

54. In Scipio, a Mr. Halsted has from time to 
time plow^ed up on his farm, seven or eight hun- 



What 
eviden 
ces of a 



there in 
Oi.oniki 
ga <"o.7 



ANCIENT RELICS. 6i 

died pounds of bi^ass, which appeared to have been 
formed into various implements of husbandry and evufeV 
war. On this field forest timber was growing sdpioof 
abundantly, which had attained a great age and size, ment? 
Mr. Halsted found, also sufficient wrought iron to 
shoe his horses for many years. We cannot resist 
the conclusion that on this farm was situated a 
European village of Danes or Welsh, who were ex- 
terminated by war hundreds of years before Colum- 
bus was born. 

55. On the Black river, a man in dio^o^ins^ a well At what 
found a quantity of China and delf ware, at the \^q\^. 
depth of several feet. In Tompkins county, Mr. ICund?"" 
Lee discovered on his farm the entire works of a '>^'hat are 

• they ? 

wagon reduced to rust. On the flats of the Genesee 
river, on tlie land of Mr. Liberty Judd, was found a 
bit of silver, about the length of a man's finger, 
hammered to a point at one end, while the other 
was smooth and square, on which was engraved 
in Arabic figures, the year of our Lord 600. 

56. The traits of a Scandinavian, Welsh and ^vhat is 

' . file re- 

Danish population are clear ; and we agree with the j^j:;;'^ ^^ 

remark of Professor Beck, that they certainly form E"k 

a class of antiquities, entirely distinct from the inrti^se 

* ^ "^ aiitiqui- 

walled towns, barrows or mounds. ^'^^^^ 

57. Did our limits allow, we could go still more 
minutely into the history and description of these 
ancient ruins, at which we have but just glanced. 
Yet we think we have described enough to show 
that this so called " New World '^ is as rich in ruins 
as Asia or Africa : that here, long before the discov- 
ery of Columbus, have lived and flourished nations 
possessing a knowledge of the true God, and as far^ 



38 AMERICAN ANTIQUITIES. 

advanced in civilzation as those on the eastern con- 
tinent. After having glanced at the first settle- 
ment of this country since the flood, and its separa- 
tion from the old world, we shall biing this highly- 
interesting section to a close. 

58. It may be reasonably supposed, that, for 
some length of ti»ie after the great deluge and the 
portioning out of the world by Noah to his three 
direct sons, there might have been a direct communica- 
n?S"n tion by land between every part of the earth ; but 

by land , \ ^ ^ t • r ^ • ■ 

n^er 'he J3y earthcjuakes and convulsions oi nature, the uniting 

dehLl^'^ links between tbe two great continents have been 

broken away and overflown by water, while in 

other parts of the earth the same convul^^ions have 

thrown up land above the surface of the water. 

E^io? This supposition is not at all improbable, for we are 

improba- i • • i t /• i 

bieJ constantly witnessing the disappearance oi large 

tracts of country, tbe extension of the dry land far 

into the sea, and the appearance of large islands. 

Recite ^^' T'h^ 20th v€rse of the 10th chapter of Gene- 

ve?s^(!t- sis w^ould rather favor the idea of the union of con- 

luiii ch 
of Gen- 
esis. 



What 
ma.\ we 
s-uppo.se 
re--t!cct- 



tinents, for it says, " I?i the days of Peleg the 
earth was divided.'''' This passage is supposed by 
"d? ^me i^^^ny eminent commentators to refer to a separa- 



divines 
Biipposf 
this to 



uppose tion of the two great continents by the breaking up 
reter? aiid ovcithrow of the land intervening. 

The birth of Peleg w^as about 100 years after the 
What flood, the very time when Babel was being built. 

•was the ' "^ " 

ofBuffon ^0- Buffon and other naturalists believed that 



mfiTrd-^' America and China were united on the west, and 
spertinff Eui'ope aiid America on the east. It was contend- 

Americii ^ 

eastern^ cd by tlic Icamcd Clavigero that the equatorial 
parts of Africa and America were once united. 



conti- 
nent? 



ISLAND OP ATLANTIS. 39 

Whether this be true or not, the two countries ap- 
proach each other in a remarkable manner, along 
the coast of Guinea on the side of Africa, and the 
coast of Pernambtico on the side of South America. 

61. Among the early Egyptian priests was pre- 
served an account of the existence and final destruc- 
tion of a large island, situated in the Western Ocean, 
called Atlantis. This island is mentioned by Pla- 
to, who wroCfe about 500 b. c, in his dialogue, enti- 
tled " TimemisP 

62. Solon, the Athenian lawgiver, is supposed to 
have traveled into Egypt, about 600 years b. c. He 
arrived at an ancient temple on the Delta, a fertile 
island formed by the Nile, where he held a conver- 
sation with certain learned priests respecting the 

' antiquities oi YQ^vcioie, ^gQs. 

63. " This island, Atlantis." said the Egyptian ^^at 
priest, " was situated in the Western Ocean, opposite ZmJks 
the straits of Hercules," which would place it exact- 1'^"^ 

^ priests 

ly betAveen a part of Europe and America. " There i,^g''\he 
was," said the priest, " an easy passage from this AUantif? 
to other islands which lay adjacent to a large con- 
tinent^ exceeding in size all Europe and Asia. 
The Atlantians made irruptions into Europe and 
Africa, subduing all Lybia, as far as Egypt, Eu- 
rope and Asia Minor. They were resisted, howev- 
er, by the Athenians, and driven back to their At- 
lantic territories." The Athenians settled at 
Athens, in Greece, 1556*b. c. One hundred years 
after their establishment at Athens, they had be- 
.vcome a powerful nation : so that the time the At- 
lantians were repulsed must have been about the 
year 1443 b. c. 



40 AMERICAN Af^^^TiaUITIES. 



What 
account 



64. "Shortly after this," says Plato, "there Avas 
a tremendous earthquake, and an overflowing of 

by Plato? the sea, which continued a day and a night ; in 
the course of which the vast island of Atlantis, 
and all its splendid cities and warlike nations, were 
swallowed up, and sunk to the bottom of the sea, 
which spreading its waters over the chasm, added 
a vast region to the Atlantic Ocean. For a long 
time, however, the sea was not navigable, on ac- 

„., , count of rocks and shoals of mud and slime, and 

W hat al- ' 

mnlr" to the ruins of that drowned country." 
SlLiby 65. An allusion to this same island, Atlantis, 
is made by Euclid, w^ho flourished about 300 years 
B. c, in a conversation which he had with Ana- 
charsis, a Scythian philosopher, Avho had, in search 
of knowledge, traveled from the far distant north 
to Athens, where he became acquainted with 
Euclid. They conversed on the various convul- 
sions of the globe ; and among other changes 
Euclid spoke of an island, as large as Africa, which 
existed beyond the shores of Europe, which, with 
all its wretched inhabitants, was swallowed up by 
an earthquake. Here, then, is another witness, be- 
sides Solon, who lived 300 years before the time of 
Euclid, who testifies to the past existence of the 
island Atlantis. These allusions to the vast 
island, and the 7ioble continent beyond it, are ex- 
ceedingly curious, and not without some foundation 
of probability. 
Se'of 66. There are many undoubted evidences of an 
^dencel'of antedibiviaji population in America, in a class of 
viat.pop antiquities, distinguished entirely from those which 



Illation 

ricaf^' ^^'^ have do>cribed in the mounds, fortifications, &c. 



ANTEDILUVIAN REMAINS. 41 

These most rare and truly venerable relics of a 
world before the flood, present themselves in dig- 
ging far below the surface of the ground. They 
occur in the forms of fire-brands, split-wood, ashes, 
coal, tools, and utensils of various kinds, brass rings, 
ifcc. Immense vessels of pottery of curious work- 
manship and remarkable size, have been discovered 
eighty and ninety feet below the surface. 

67. On the Susquehannah river, a piece of pot- 
tery was found, twelve feet across the top, making 
a circmnference of thirty-six feet, and of propor- 
tionable depth and form. No ray of light dawns 
upon this strange remnant of by-gone days, to tell 
us its use. 

In diffsfino^ a well near Cincinnati, in 1826, the what 

was 

stump of a tree was found in a sound state, eighty |«;,"j']^i" 
feet below the surface. The blows of the axe were ^^„ 
still visible, and the remains of the tree were firmly 
rooted in its original position, several feet below the 
bed of the Ohio. Another stump was discovered 
near this place, ninety-four feet below the surface, 
and on its top it appeared as if some iron tool had 
been consumed by rust. 

68. In the section about Fredonia, on the south ,^,^ ^ 

^ ' What 

side of Lake Erie, utensils of various kinds have}^^^^ 
been found, split-wood and ashes, from thirty- to SoniaT* 
fifty feet below the surface, which is much below 
the bed of Lake Erie. 

. Near Williamsburg, in Virginia, about sixty what 
miles from the sea, the whole vertebrae of a whale, Hams- 

burg? 

and several fragments of the ribs, &c., were found 
imbedded some feet below the surface. In the 
same region, at depths of from sixty to ninety feet, 



Cincin- 
nati? 



42 AMERICAN ANTIQUITIES. 

have been discovered the teeth of sharks. From 
these and various other curious discoveries, from 
fifty to one hundred feet below the surface, we are 
led to conclude that the original surface of America 
was not much disturbed, but was rather suddenly- 
overwhelmed from the west. The vast strata of 
loam, sand, clay, gravel and stone, which lie over 
each other, evince, from the unnatural manner of 
their positions, that they were thrown furiously by 
water over the continent, from the countries of the 
west. 

69. Discoveries like these, at this vast depth, and 
scattered over so wide a region of country, cannot 
belong to any age, or to any of the works of man, 
this - side the deluge, as time enough has not 
elapsed since that catastrophe to allow the decom- 

• position of vegetables, nor of convulsions to have 
buried these articles so deep below the surface. 
But, if any doubt that these remains are antedilu- 
vian, none can be entertained respecting the skele- 
tons of mammoths, and birds whose quills were 
large enough to admit a man's arm into the cali- 
bre, and the claws measuring three feet in length. 

70. The remains of a monster were discovered in 

Describe 

^^/^,f' Louisiana, seventeen feet under ground, the largest 
maf"'" bone of which weighed twelve hundred pounds, was 
in Lou- twenty feet long, and was thought to be the shoul- 
der-blade or jaw-bone. This immense animal is 
supposed to have been 125 feet in length. Such 
an animal would indeed be, as it is said in Job, of 
the Behemoth, " The chief of the ways of God " in 
the creation. 

71. How dreary — how horrible are our emotions, 



isiana. 



THOUGHTS ON THE PAST. 43 

when we reflect on the immensity of the destruc- 
tion of Uving beings in tlie Dekige. An inexpres- 
sible feeling of awe comes over the gayest spirit in 
meditating on these subhme scenes ; but the emo- 
tion is heightened when we think that we are liv- 
ing — we are moving over the crushed and mingled 
remains of antediluvians. 

" All that tread 

The globe are but a handful to the tribes 

That slumber in its bosom." 

72. We, now, are upon the busy stage of life. 
Around us are many proud works of art, reared by 
men of the present day. In our full career of pro- 
gress and of happiness, we can and do rejoice in 
the beauty which this woild puts on. The mind 
wanders Avithout an effort in the contemplation of 
present things; but when thoughts of by-gone 
days come over us, sadness comes too ; and the 
mind seems to shrink from a contact with the gay 
and busy world about us. 

73. The memory of other days has ever been 
mournful to the soul j and this sympathy pervades 
all ages. Speak to childhood of the buried world 
and its.mysteries, and the heart-bubbling laugh is 
stilled, and childish . hopes forgotten. The hopes 
and aspirations of manhood are for a time relin- 
quished in the overwhelming contemplation. The 
maiden's cheek is blanched as her woman's heart 
prompts thoughts of life, and its never-ceasing 
changes. The aged man, with the accumulated 
wisdom of years, bows his head as he thinks of 
those by-gone days ; and feels by every weakened 
nerve, that he, too, in turn, must go down to his 



44 AMERICAN ANTiaUITIES. 

resting-place in earth's bosom, and sleep with " pa- 
triarchs of the infant world." 

Here, too, young reader, thou shalt rest. The 
silver cord will be one day loosed, and the golden 
bowl broken. 

" So live, that, when thy summons comes to join 
The innumerable caravan, that moves 
To that mysterious realm, where each shall take 
His chamber in the silent halls of death; 
Thou go not like the quarry slave, at night 
Scourged to his dungeon ; but, sustain'd and sooth'd 
By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave 
Like one that draws the drapery of his couch 
About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams." 



fiistorij of tl)C Hnitcb States. 



A GENERAL OUTLINE OF 

THE IIDIAI TEIBES 

EAST. OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER, 

WITH A DESCRIPTION OF THEIR LANGUAGES, 
MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 




HE history of the eailiest civ- 
ihzed inhabitants of America 
is shrouded in the mystery of 
past ages. Little record is 
left to us of them, save what 
is written in the mouldering 
dust of their wondrous works 
of art. The toiling, warring laborers of the mounds 
and forts have passed so far away that, even their 
memory is forgotten, and the thick gloom of by- 
gone centuries rests on their origin. It may be 
for years, and it may be forever, before the daik- 
ness can at all be dissipated. 

2. Not so mysterious is the story of the red man. 
When our shores were again discovered by Euro- 
peans, the fleet-footed Indian roamed over this 
almost boundless land, a free man. He stood on 



What is 
said of 
the his- 
tory of 
tlie earli- 
est civil- 
ized in- 
habit- 
ants of 
Ameri- 
ca? 



What of 
the red 
mail at 
the dig 
rovery 
ofAuieri- 
ca by Eu 
rupeans 5 



46 , INDIAN HISTORY. 

the ground which was all his own, monarch of un- 
discovered realms. Here for hundreds of winters 
his ancestors had dwelt, regardless of the whole 
"World except the red man. And when Europeans 
landed on their coasts, they looked with wonder 
and amazement on beings fashioned in human 
form, and still so diiferent in appearance. 
Describe ^- ^^^ whites lookcd with equal wonder at the 
p'^aran'^e palutcd aiid tattooed chiefs, adorned with many- 
indians. colorcd sklus and plumes, with the wing of the red 
bird and the beak and plumage of the raven, with 
a collar of the claws of the grisly bear ; their pipes 
glittering with ornaments and adorned with an 
enemy's scalp. There, too, was the bold Indian 
girl, with graceful bearing and lustrous eyes, in 
glittering dress of painted moose and deer skins, 
ornamented with shining shells and the brightest 
feathers of the turkey. 

4. The Indians earliest known to Europeans 
s™of were those of Virginia. When the jfirst effectual 
difns^"' settlement of that colony was made, in 1607, the 
Virginia surrouudiiig territory for 8,000 square miles was 

occupied by upward of 30 different tribes, forming 
one confederacy, of. which Powhattan was the 
sachem or werowance. 

5. The first aspect of the original inhabitants of 
What is the United States was uniform. The Indians of 

saitl ot 

Sfphysi- Florida and Canada had a common physiognomy, 
ognomy? ^^^ ^ difference was scarcely perceptible in their 
manners and institutions, as well as their organi- 
zation. Before their languages began to be known, 
there was no safe method of grouping the nations 
into families ; but when the great variety of dialects 



INDIAN DIALECTS. 47 

came to be compared, there were found to be not how 
more than eight radically distinct languages east distinct 
of the Mississippi. Five of tliese still constitute the I'^^^^f^ 
speech of powerful communities ; but the other g^'j'T. 
three are nearly lost with the disappearance of the what is 
tribes irom the earth. otthem 

now? 

1. 6. The primitive language which was most 
widely diffusedj and the most numerous in dialects, 
received from the French the name of Algonqin. "S^jf 
It was the native language of those who greeted fomSin 
the colonists of Raleigh at Roanoke ; and its strange .?nii fam- 
tones welcomed the Pilgrims to Plymouth. It was 
spoken — though not exclusively — in a territory that 
extended through 60° of longitude, and more than 
20° of latitiide ; so numerous and widely extended 
were the tribes of the Algonquin family. . They 
were scattered over a moiety, or perhaps more than 
a moiety, of the territory east of the Mississippi, and 
south of the St. Lawrence, and constituted about 
half the original population of that territory. Here 
were the Micmacs, holding possession of Nova Sco- ^rhatof 
tia and the adjacent isles, and who were only mlSl'^' 
known to our fathers as the active allies of the 
French. They often invaded, but never inhabited 
New England. 

7. The Sokokis appear to have dwelt on the Sa- 

What of 

CO, and had formed- an alliance with the Mohawks ; J^e so- 
but finally placed themselves under the protection 
of the French in Canada. 



The Indian often emigrated, so that the clans 
that disappeared from their ancient hunting-grounds of 



What IS 
ark'f 
the 

micra- 



did not always become extinct. They shunned the tions of 

..... 'he red 

vicinity of civilization, and often migrated far away. '"'^"- 



TheN 

raffiin- 
setts ? 



quods ] 



48 INDIAN HISTORY. 

Among the tribes of Texas there are warriors who 
trace their hneage to the Algonquins, on the At- 
lantic ; and many a proud descendant of the New 
• England tribes now roams over the western prairies. 
8. The tribe of the Massachusetts, even before 
the colonization of the country, had almost disap- 
peared from the shores of the Massachusetts bay. 
Where The Pokauokcts dwelt around Mount Hope, and 
Pokano- were sovereisrns over Nantucket, Martha's Yine- 

kets ? c5 1 

3^ard, and^a portion of Cape Cod. The Narragan- 
setts held dominion over Rhode Island and its 
vicinity, and a part of Long Island, and were the 
most civilized of the northern nations. 

The pe- 9. The Pequods occupied the eastern part of 
Connecticut, and ruled a part of Long Island. 
Their blood was the first shed in the deadly strug- 
gles between the whites and Indians. They fought 
long and bravely, but were not victorious. 

Wheie now is seen New York, the proud metrop- 

faiis?^*" ^^i^ of the West, the bold Manhattans roamed, hap- 
py and secure in their old forests. 

10. The Mohawks first srreeted Hudson, as he 

The Mo- - , , , , . 1-11 1 • /- 

hawks? explored the noble river which bears his name, for 
their dwelling-place was on its western bank. The 
rude Mohawk worshiped the Great Spirit at sun- 
set, surrounded by every thing that was beautiful 
in nature. ' 

jnfo 11. Farther south were the Lenni Lenape, di- 

uibea vided into the Minsi and the Delawares, occupying 
Lenni Ncw Jcrsev aud the valleys of the Delaware and 

Lenape -' *' 

and what SchuylklU. Thc Delawares had been dispossessed 
them'! "^ by the Five Nations, stripped of their rights as war- 
riors, and confined to raising corn, fishing and 



The 
Man 
tans? 



THE SHAWNEES. 49 

hunting, for subsistence. In this way, the Indians 
reduced their enemies to tlie state of "•^'v.^v. c.>_what 



the 
southern 



cording to their language. Beyond the Delaware boumwy 
were the Nanticokes, who melted imperceptibly Aigon- 
into other tribes. Cape Fear was the southern ^''"'''^■ 
limit of the Algonquin speech. 

12. The Shawnees connect the south-eastern 
Algonquins with the west. The basin of the saw of 
Cumberland river is marked by Kircheval as the ^^f^]' 
home of this restless nation of wanderers. For 
many years, they wandered undisturbed from the 
Cumberland river to the Alabama, from the Santee 

to the Susquehannah. 

13. The Miamis were more quiet in .their wishes, how did 

, , . ^ , . , . the Mia- 

and we can sro to then- own orators lor then- tradi- mis dir- 

° fer irom 

tions. " My forefather," said the Miami orator, ^^^^^_ 
Little Turtle, at Greenville, "kindled the first tire "^^^• 
at Detroit ; from thence he extended his lines to 
the head-waters of the Sciota ; from thence to its 
mouth ; from thence down the Ohio to the mouth 
of the Wabash ; and from thence to Chicago, on 
Lake Michigan. These are the boundaries within 
which the prints of my ancestors' houses are every- 
where to be seen." The early French narratives 
confirm his words. 

14. The Illinois were kindred to the Miamis, and ^J^^^'fjjo 
their country lay between the Wabash, the Ohio, ITfhl 

, 1 ~.^. . . . Illinois? 

and the Mississippi. 

15. In the early part of the 1 8th century, the what of 

•^ ^ -^ ' the Pota- 

Potawatomies had crowded the Miamis from their j^^ato-, 
dwellings at Chicago ; the intruders came from the . 
islands near Green Bay, and were a branch of the 
Cliippewas. That nation, or, as some write, the 

3 



50 INDIAN HISTORY. 

Ojibwas, — the Algonquin tribes, of whose dialect, 
wiJfthe "^y^hology, traditions, and customs we have the 
^^Js^oT fullest accounts, — held the country around Green 

Bay and Lake Superior. 



What of 
the Sacs 
and Fox- 



16. South-west of the Menomonies, the roaming 
Sacs and Foxes, tlie enemies of the French, wan- 
dered in pursuit of conquest over the whole country 
Mention bctwecn the Wisconsin and the Illinois. These 

the 

the^'Af-^ were some of the different tribes speaking the Al- 

Siy" gonquin language. 

we" have II. 17. The ucxt confedeiacv or family speak- 

noticed? . , ./ i 

ing a different language were the Sioux or Dahco- 
^here fas^ cncauipcd on the wide prairies east of the 
Sioux? Mississippi, wandering between the head-waters of 

Lake Superior and the Falls of St. Anthony. 

What is , 

said of Their wio^wams were discovered by French traders 

the . ^ . . ^ . . . 

Sioux? ii^ 1659, and they were visited by Jesuit priests in 

1687, and again in 1689. Bet^yeen the Dahcotas 

Qf tjjg and the Chippewas there long existed an hereditary 

wa^'?'''^" warfare. Like other southern and western tribes, 

their population appears of late to have very much 

increased. 

III. 18. Another of the eight distinct lanffua^es 

What is . , ^^ ^ . ^ . . ,, 1 

the^Hu- *^^ ^^ Huron- Iroquois, or, as it is sometimes called, 
quoiiT the Wyandot. At the time of the discovery of 
America, they were powerful in numbers and scat- 
tered over a wide territory. The peninsula inclos- 
ed between Lakes Huron, Erie, and Ontario had 
been the dwelling-place of the five confederated 
tribes of the Hurons. 

19. They were defeated by the Five Nations, 
and a part of tlieir tribe descended the St. Law- 
rence, and some of their progeny may still be seen 



THE HURON-IROaUOIS. 51 

at Quebec ; a part were adopted into the tribes of 
their victors. The Wyandots fled beyond Lake Se^Wy- 
Siiperior, having first halted on the shores of the ''"'^"'^ ■ 
noble Huron lake, and afterward near where De- 
troit is now situated. 

20. Thus the Wyandots within our borders are 
emio-rants from Canada. By forming" treaties with ^^hom 

» _ _ J to ^ flid the 

the Algonquin tribes, they spread along Lake Erie, ^olsfom 
and gradually acquired a claim to the vast territory ^'^''''"''^■ 
from the Miami to the western boundary of New 
York. 

21. The Iroquois or Mingoes, or, as they were 
sometimes called, the Five Nations, were tribes l[\.ll^^,^^ 
bound together by a league or confederacy. The goef '"' 
French called them Iroquois — the English, the times 
Five Nations — and the Connecticut Indians, Mo- ^vhich 
hawks, from the most warlike tribe. Three of ^mede- 
the oriarinal confederacy consisted of the elder tribes, '■'^i^ 

~ •' ' railed 

called the Senecas, Onondagas, and Mohawks, and Sfieli^^ 
two were called the younger tribes, viz., the Cayu- ^v-hich 
gas and Oneidas. younger" 

22. The number of their warriors, in 1660, is wv,„.. 



dii! thej 
dwell? 



said by the French to have been 2,200. They in- 
habited the region lying between the borders of 
Vermont and western New York, from the lakes to 
the head-waters of the Ohio, the Susquehannah, 
and the Delaware. Their geographical position 
made them umpires in the contest of the French 
for dominion in the West. They acquired a name w^.t is 
among the boldest tribes by their conquests, and S""'"' 
thus increased their pohtical importance. Not y 
only did- they claim supremacy in northern New 
England between the Kennebec and the soutJiern 



III! o> 
lU I.o- 

uois ? 



52 INDIAN HISTORY. 

border of Connecticut, and styled themselves lords 
over the conquered Lenape — they looked upon the 
peninsula of Upper Canada as their hunting field 
by right of war ; they had exterminated the Eries 
and the Andastes — had triumphantly invaded the 
western tribes as far as Illinois ; their warriors had 
chanted their war-songs in Kentucky and western 
Virginia'; and England, to whose alliance they in- 
clined, availed itself of their treaties for the cession 
of territories, to encroach even on the empire of 
Prance in America. 
Sibe'^af- 2^- T*^^^ Tuscaroras migiated from North Caro- 
joS"^ Una, and joined the confederacy. Hence they were 



federaoy, aftcrward known as the Six Nations. In 1708, 

and what ' 

them?°^ the Tuscaroras were still powerful, and numbered 
1,200 w^arriors, as brave as their Mohawk brothers. 
lY. 24. The fourth nation with distinct lan- 
S?^^ °^ guage was the Catawbas, dwelling in Carolina, 
famii^.^ The Catawbas were hated by the warlike Iroquois 
guageV' tribes, and for succiessive seasons they followed 
them until they dwindled away and became power- 
less. Their language is now almost extinct, and 
the war song is seldom chanted. The Catawbas 
will soon all be numbered with the departed, for 
scarce a hundred persons can now be found who 
speak the native language. 

V. 25. We next notice the wild, mountain-chmb- 

ing Cherokee. Every syllable of his language 

What is ends with a vowel, and the combinations with con- 

JJe^che- sonants are so few and simple, that tlie " old be- 

lajiguge? \QyQf\ speech," like the Japanese, admits a syllabic 

alphabet, of which the signs need not exceed 85. 

Recently, Sequoah, an intelligent Cherokee, com- 



CHEROKEES. 53 

pleted an analysis of the syllables of his language, 
and invented symbols to express them. But, before 1^5^^- 
they were known to Europeans, no red man had blen^ 
ever discriminated the sounds, which he uttered ; the che- 

' ' rokee 

in all America there was no alphabet, and know- i^ns"'&e? 
ledge was only conveyed to the eye by rude sym- 
bols and imitations. 

26. The Cherokees dwelt chiefly on the head- where 
waters of the Savannah, Chattahoochee, and Ala- chero-^ 
bama rivers, and the branches of the Tennessee ^^weu? 
and Cumberland, a tract of about 24,000 square 
miles. Bancroft, in his graphic and beautiful lan- 
guage, speaks .of tbis region as the most pic- 
turesque and salubrious east of the Mississippi. He ^^3^^41,6 
says the homes of the Cherokees were encircled by l?/onhe 
blue hills rising beyond hills, of which the lofty keeY."" 
peaks would kindle with the early light, and the 
overshadowing ridges envelop the valleys like a 
mass of clouds. There the rocky cliffs, rising in 
naked grandeur, defy the lightning, and mock the 
loudest peals of the thunder storm ; there the 
gentler slopes are covered with magnolias and 
flowering forest trees, decorated with roving climb- 
ers, and ring with the perpetual note of the whip- 
poor-will ; there the wholesome water gushes pro- 
fusely from the earth in transparent springs ; 
snow-white cascades glitter on the hill-sides ; and 

the rivers, shallow, but pleasant to the eye, rush 
through the narrow vales, which the abundant 
strawberry crimsons, and coppices of rhododendron 
and flaming azalea adorn. 

27. At the fall of the leaf, the fruit of the hick- 
ory and the chestnut is thickly strewn on the 



54 INDIAN HISTORY. 

ground. The fertile soil teems with luxuriant 
herbage, on which the roebuck fattens ; the vivify- 
ing breeze is laden with fragrance ; and daybreak 
is ever welcomed by the shrill cries of the social 
night-hawk and the liquid carols of the mocking- 
bird. Here, too, were running waters, inviting to 
the bath, tempting the angler, alluring wild fowl — 
for the Cherokee towns were always upon some of 
their much-loved rivers. 

28. The " beloved " people of the Cherokees were 
a nation by themselves. Who can say for jiow 
many centuries, safe in their undiscovered fast- 
nesses, they had decked their war-chiefs with the fea- 
thers of the eagle's tail, and listened to the counsels 
of their aged warriors ? We must look to the 
white man for the sad story of the ruin of the 
Cherokees. In the history of the United States we 
find a mournful account of pleasant places laid 
waste, and the mingled bones of brave warriors, 
with their squaws and young maidens, bleaching 
together with those of the cunning and usurping 
white man's, all over their sunny vales. 

VI. 29. South-east of the Cherokees dwelt the 
S^of^ UcHEES, boasting to have been the oldest inhabi- 
uchees? tants of that region. They now constitute an 

inconsiderable band in the Creek confederacy, and 
are known as a distinct family only by their singu- 
larly harsh and guttural language. 

VII. 30. The Natchez are also now united in 
What of the same confederacy ; but they, with the Taensas, 

the Nat- -^ ' *" ' 

Chez? were known to history as a distinct nation near the 
banks of the Mississippi. It has been supposed by 
travelers, Dumont, Du Pratz, and others, that their 



MOBILIAN FAMILY. 55 

language was a dialect of the Mobilian ; but b}^ or their 
the persevering curiosity of Gallatin, it is at last '"^"^^• 
known that their language, as far as compari- 
sons have been instituted, has no etymological 
affinity with any other. 

YIII. 31. With the exception of the Uchees and ^hatof 
the Natchez, the whole country south-east, south, St ®or 
and west of the Cherokees, to the Atlantic and wiian 

' family? 

the Gulf of Mexico, to the Mississippi and the con- 
fluence of the Tennessee and the Ohio, was in the 
possession of one great family of nations, of which 
the language was named by the French the Mobi- 
lian, and is described by Gallatin as the Musk- 
HOGEE-CHOCTA. It iucluded three larare confeder- what 

^ larpe 

acies (Chickasaws, Choctaws, and Creeks), still J:°"jjg''®" 
existing, and perhaps, even with aii increase of n',istim- 
numbers. 

32. The country bounded on the Ohio at the 
north, on the Mississippi on the west, on the east by 
a line from the bend in the Cumberland river to 
the Muscle Shoals of the Tennessee, and extending 
south into the territory of the State of Mississippi, 
was the land of the cheerful, brave Chickasaws, Ions: Describe 
to be remembered as the invincible allies of the country 

of the 

Enghsli. Around their wigwams the grass was ver- Ss"^* 
dant in midwinter ; the blue bird and robin are 
heard in February ; the springs of pure water gur- 
gle up through the white sands, to flow through 
natural bowers of evergreen and holly ; and if the 
earth be but carelessly opened to receive the ker- 
nel of maize, the thick corn springs abundantly 
from the fertile soil. The region is as happy 
as any beneath the sun ; and the love which 



50 INDIAN HISTORY. 

it inspired made its occupants, though not numer- 
ous, yet the most intrepid warriors of the south. 
Of the ^^- "^^^ country of the Choctaws was below the 
S°s? Chickasaws, between the Tombigbee and Mississippi 
rivers. Dwelling in plains or among gentle hills, 
they excelled every North American tribe in their 
sai/of agriculture, subsisting chiefly on corn, and placing 
Choc- little dependence on the chase. Their warriors 
were over 4,000 in number, and their love for their 
sunny hills was so intense, that in defending their 
homes they utterly contemned all danger. 
What of 34. In Georgia, extending into Alabama, were 
crieks? the Ciceks or Muskhogees. They were divided 
into Upper and Lower Creeks, a part of which are 
called Seminoles, inhabiting Florida. The term 
Seminole means " wild man," and was apphed to 
all the vagrants of the nation, who abandoned 
agriculture for the chase. This country abounded 
in beautiful creeks and bold rivers, descending 
with a clear current through a fertile region. They 
were careful in agriculture, and before going to 
war, assisted their women to plant 
What is 35. The Chickasaws, Choctaws, and Cherokees 



lid of 
le 
Chicka- 



the are all considerably advanced in civilization. In 



saws, 
Choc 



this respect, they evidently form an exception to the 
Ind Che- Indian race, who, generally speaking, flee from 
p°oint of civilized society, and relinquish their possessions 
^■o"- rather than their Avild independence. The earliest 
European accounts of these people, which are con- 
tained in the history of the expedition of Ferdi- 
nand de Soto, show them to have been more civil- 
ized than any other tribes of the United States. 
The Cherokees have an impression, that they be- 



INDIAN LANGUAGES. 57 

!.ong to a superior stock ; and some of our ablest 
antiquarians suppose that they migrated from Ma- 
lacca, Southern Asia. 

36. Such is a synopsis of the American nations 
east of the Mississippi. Very great uncertainty 
must attend any estimate of the original number 

of Indians east of the Mississippi and south of the what is' 
St. Lawrence and the lakes. The diminution of ot the 

number 

their population is far less than is usually suppos- ^j.^^'^^- 
ed : they have been exiled, but not exterminated, istllig?^" 
The Cherokee and Mobilian family are more nu- 
merous now than ever. 

37. Terrible epidemics have raged among them, 
and thousands have fallen in war ; but amid their 
keenest sufferings, they disdain to manifest their 
agony by a cry or groan, and even in the death- 
struggle triumphantly sing their death-song. 



o 



8. The study of the structure of the various 



Of what 
use is the 



dialects of the red men sheds light on the inquiry ^^^^^ ^^ 
into their condition. Languages do not Zie, says ous 'in"" 
Home Tooke. They reveal what time has buried 'ects? 
in oblivion. 

A late German writer. Prof. Vater, has publish- ^^^^^^ ^^ 
ed, at Leipzig, a book on the population of Ameri- K ^^* 
ca. He lays great stress upon the tongues spoken 
by the aborigines, and dwells considerably on the 
unity pervading the whole of them, from Chili 
to the remotest district of North America. The 
work has been continued by Adelung and Vater 
in their Mithridates, which surpasses all similar 
performances that have ever been achieved by man. 
They give an extensive comparison of all the 
Asiatic, African, and American languages. 

3* 



58 INDIAN HISTORY. 



What 

remark 



39. No American language bears marks of being 
IT^of^ an arbitrary aggregation of separate parts ; but 
Ameri- each is possessed of an entire organization, liaving 

can Ian- • /• i i ii i i i 

guiige? unity of character, and controlled by exact rules. 
Each appears as a perfect whole, not as a slow for- 
mation, springing directly from the powers of man 
by painful processes of invention ; each dialect is 
not only free from confusion, but is almost abso- 
lutely free from irregularities, and is pervaded and 
governed by undeviating laws. Each American 
language was competent of itself, without improve- 
ment from scholars, to exemplify every rule of the 
logician, and give utterance to every passion. A 
tribe has no more been found without an organized 
language than without eyesight or memory. The 
savage had, indeed, never attempted the analysis 
of the primitive sounds ; but the analogies are so 
close, that they may all be expressed by the alpha- 
bet of European use. 

40. The tribes vary in their capacity or their 
saui of custom of expressing sounds. Of the several dia- 
of'^hl lects of the Iroquois, that of the Oneidas is the 
kn-""' softest, beino^ the only one that admits the letter 

guages? 7 o J 

I (L) ; that of the Senecas is the most rude and 
energetic. The Algonquin dialects, especially those 
of the Abenakis, heap up consonants with prodigal 
harshness ; the Iroquois abound in a concurrence 
of vowels. The Algonquins have no/; the whole 
Iroquois family never use the semi-vowel m, and 
want the labials entirely, 
jjow 41- Their style was adorned with noble meta- 

K^*^" phors, and glowed with allegory. They spoke of 
prosperity as a bright sun or a serene and cloudless 



What ia 
I trn-at 
lecuiia- 
iot'ihe 

]:in- 



INDIAN LANGUAGES. 59 

• 

sky ; to establish peace is to bury the tomahawk 
or plant the forest tree ; to offer presents as conso- 
lation to mourners, is to cover the grave of the 
departed. 

42. The great peculiarity of the American 
speech is the absence of all logical analvsis of ^ *?''; 
ideas, and the synthetic character pervading them {',,' 
all. The American does not separate the compo- guage^ 
nent parts of the proposition which he utters. His 
thoughts rush forth in a troop, for the picture is 
presented at once and altogether. This synthetic 
character is apparent in the attempt to express, in 

the simplest manner, the name of any thing. The 
Algonquin and the Iroquois could not say fat he)' ; 
they must use a more definite expression. The 
noun, adjective, and pronoun are blended into one 
word. 

The Indian never kneels ; so, when Eliot trans- 
lated KNEELING, the woi'd which he was coni; 
pelled to form filled a line, and numbered eleven 
53^1 able s. 

43. In investio^atins^ these and other Ian oruasres, 

Whit nf 

two momentous conclusions follow. The g-ram- the 

'^ gram- 

matical forms, which constitute the organization of ^0™^' 

a language, are not the work of civilization, but of 
nature. It is not writers, nor arbitrary conven- "j^' 
tions, that give laws to language; the forms of ^^"jge, . 
grammar, the powers of combinations, the possi- 
bility of inversions, spring from within us, and are 
a consequence of our own organization. 

44. The study of these rudest dialects tends to proved 

■, . . . ^y 'he 

show, if it does not conclusively prove, that it was ';lll'll "^ 
not man wbo made language ; but Tie who made lecut'^' 



which 
Consti- 
tute the 
iMiii/.a- 
noii of a 



60 , INDIAN HISTORY. 

man gave him utterance. From the ice-bound 
egions of the Esquimaux in the north, to the 



What 



Straits of Magellan on the south, the primitive 



id of 
the dif- 
ferent 

guages? American languages, entirely differing in their 
roots, have, with slight exceptions, a similar physi- 
ognomy, resembling each other in their internal 
mechanism. 

45. In the Esquimaux, there is an immense 
number of forms derived from the regimen of pro- 

differeu't nouns. The same is true of the Basque language, 

guages? in Spain, and of the Congo, in Africa. Here is a 

most wonderful coincidence ; and as it pervades 

languages of different races, dwelling on different 

continents, it must be the result of law. 

46. Another and more certain conclusion is this, 
that the ancestors of our tribes were' rude like 



"What CO 
inci- 
dence re 

svectin; 



What 
other 
coiirlu- 

drawir themselves — not yet disenthralled from nature. 

from the 
study of 
Indian 
dialects 



The character of each Indian language being one 
• universal, all-pervading synthesis, proves them to 
have been still in the earliest stage of intellectual 
culture. 

47. War and hunting are the principal employ- 
the In- Clients of the men. The younff Indian travels the 

dianmen -' o 

theS"^ war-path frequently, that he may encounter an 
enemy; and at the great war-dance and feast of 
his tribe, he will boast of his exploits, and exhibit 
the shining marks of vermillion on his skin as 
records of his wounds. 

How the 48. The Indian woman leads a toilsome hfe. 

women? Patiently she plants the maize, the beans, and run- 
ning vines, with the rude wooden mattock and 
shell ; her hands draw out the weeds, and in due 
season gather the harvest. She brings home the 



INDIAN EMPLOYMENTS. 61 

game ^vhich her husband has killed — ^she bears the 
wood and draws the w^ater ; and if the men pre- 
pare the poles for the wigwam, it is the woman 
who builds it, and in their toilsome journeyings she 
bears it on her shoulders. 

49. In the language of our Indians is no w^ord how do 
for year, and they reckon time by the return of ansreck- 

•^ ^ ^ •> ^ . *' oil time ? 

snow^ or the springing of flowers, and the flight of 
the birds announces the progress of seasons. 

The motion of the sun marks the hour of the 
day, and these distinctions of time are not noted 
in numbers, but in words that breathe the grace 
and poetry of nature. 

50. They kept no herds, but depended for food 

on the chase, fisheries, and agriculture ; and, un- ^^^^^ ^^°- 
like the people of the Old World, they w^ere at fS? 
once hunters and tillers of the ground. Water 
was the only drink of the noble red man, until 
after his acquaintance w^th Europeans. 

51. The government of the Indians is a patri- ^-fj^^^ j^ 
arcbal confederacy. Every tow^n or family has a tSsro^v- 
chief, called a sachem. Several towns compose a of the 

\ . ' Indians? 

tribe, 'of Avhich one of their number is the head. 
The several tribes composing a nation have also a 
chief, who directs the whole. These rulers are 
chosen on the opinion w^hich their fellow-warriors 
have of their wisdom and integrity. 

52. Prohibitory laws were hardly sanctioned by 
savage opinion, for the wild man hates restraint, 
and loves to do what is ris^ht in his ow^n eves, the in 

^ _ •' diaii feel 

Arrests and prisons, law^yers and sheriffs were guSJ"" 
unknown. Each man was his own protector, and 
in case of death by violence, the kindred of the 



j2 INDIAN HISTORY. 

deceased would go a thousand miles for the pur- 
pose of revenge, over hills and mountains, through 
large cane swamps full of vines and briars, over 
broad lakes, rapid rivers, and deep creeks, all the 
way endangered by poisonous snakes — exposed to 
the extremities of heat and cold, to hunger and 
thirst. Peace was restored by atoning presents, if 
they were enough to cover the grave of the der 
parted. 

They hold the bonds of brotherhood so deai\ 

that a brother commonly pays the debt of the 

deceased, and assumes his revenge and perils. 

How did 53. The record of their treaties was kept by 

cord '^' strings of wampum ; and when the envoy of na- 

^earies, tlous iiict lu solcmn couiicil, gift replied to gift, and 

belt to belt. 

What of That the words of friendship might be trans- 

pea.e- mlttcd safcly through the wilderness, the red men 

^ revered the peace-pipe. With this mysteiious pipe, 

the person of the traveler was safe and welcome to 

all wigwams. 

What did 54. War alone was the avenue to glory ; all 

an^th"ink otlicr emplovmeiits seemed unworthy of human 

of war? ,. . » 1 1 . 

dignity. Any one who, on chanting a war-song, 
could obtain volunteer followers, became a war- 
chief. Solemn fasts and religious rites precede the 
departure of the warriors. A belt painted red, or 
a bundle of bloody sticks sent to the enemy, is a 
declaration of defiance. 

55. As the war-party leaves the village, a fare- 
well hymn is chanted to the women : " Do not 
weep for me, loved woman, should I die ; weep for 
yourself alone. I go to revenge our fallen rela- 



INDIAN RELIGION. 63 

tions ; our foes shall lie like them ; I go to lay 
them low." 

56. Captives were sometimes saved and incor- pj^^ 
porated in the families of the tribes. In such cases Captives 
they forever left their former huntinsr-srrounds and times 

•^ * ^ treated? 

all that they held dear. Sometimes they were 
adopted in the place of a slain warrior, and espous- 
ed all the interests and retaliated all the w^rongs. 
More commonly it was the captive's lot to suffer 
torments and death. His fingers were crushed and 
torn off, the joints of his arms scorched and 
gashed, while he himself tranquilly sang the songs 
of his nation, or said to the crowd of guests at the 
festival, "My brothers, I am going to die. Make 
merry around me with good heart. I am a man. 
I neither fear death nor your torments." He then 
dances around the cabin, chanting his death-song. 
The most horrid torments last until after sunrise, 
when the wretched victim, bruised, gashed, half 
roasted, and scalped, is hacked in pieces ! 

57. The relig-ion of the Indian was of the rudest what is 

° . said of 

kind. They worship both a good and an evil ^■"^^./''i'f 
spiiit — one to secure favor, the other to deprecate Sans^?"' 
his vengeance. 

Their heaven is in the sweet south-west, where a 
balmy wind ever blows, and the sky is without a 
darkening cloud — where the forests are stocked 
with game and the rivers with fish. There the 
aged warrior will never experience fatigue, or hun- 
ger, or thirst, and care will never come. 

58. The Indian saw a divinity in every thing — 
in the mountain cliff, in the cheering fire, in the 
blades of grass — the w^oods, wilds, and running 



What is 
said of 
their su 



64 INDIAN HISTORY. • 

Streams, the stars and the sun — in the blue ocean, 
in bird, and bee, and blossom'; wherever there was 
motion, being, or action, there, to him, was a spirit ; 
his own beating heart and throbbing pulse spoke to 
him of a divinity. The Indian was ever firm to 
his faith ; infidelity never clouded his mind — the 
gloomy shadows of scepticism were unknown to him. 

59. Prayers are daily offered to avert the wrath 
and to secure the favor of their divinity. That 

tions?' man should deny himself — that sin should be aton- 
ed for. are ideas that dw^ell in human nature. 
They were so diflfused among the savages, that Le 
Clerc believed some of the apostles must have 
reached the American continent. 

60. The savage puts faith in divination. He 
casts lots, and believes Nature w ill be obedient to the 
decision ; he puts his trust in the sagacity of the 
sorcerer, and believes the medicine man can cure 
all his diseases. 

61. While yet alive, the dying chief sometimes 
arrayed himself in the garments in wiiich he was 
to be buried, and, giving' a farewell festival, calmly 
chanted his last song, or made a last harangue, 
glorying in the remembrance of his brave deeds, 
and commending his surviving loved ones to his 
friends ; and when he had given up the ghost, he 
w^as buried in a sitting posture, as if to show that, 
though life was spent, the principle of being was 
not gone. Everywhere in America this posture 
was adopted at burials. From Canada to Pata- 
gonia, it would seem as though some common sym- 
pathy pervaded the continent, and struck a chord 
which vibrated through the heart of a race. 



In what 

posture 

were 

they 

buried? 



INDIAN CIVILIZATION. 65 

62. Much has been done by the benevolent to 
ameliorate the condition of the Indian. Jesuits, ^2l2 at 
Franciscans, Puritans, Moravians, &c., all have ci"avon!d 
sincerely endeavored to convert thern, and win o^-^te 
them to the regular habits of civilized hfe. The i^^^^l' 
Jesuit, Stephen de Carheil, revered for his talents 

and zeal, was for more than sixty years a mission- 
ary among the Huron-Iroquois tribes. He spoke 
their dialects as though they had been his mother- 
tongue ; yet he saw little to encourage him. 

63. Elhot, the beloved and self-denying apostle, ^,^^^ .^ 
whose benevolence amounted nearly to the inspi- tile'^ 1^,°^ 
ration of genius, often almost despaired. He sue- EuTot?" 
ceeded, after years of toil, in forming an Indian 
grammar, and translating the whole Bible into the 
Massachusetts dialect. He taught the women to 
spin, the men to dig the ground, and established 

for them simple forms of government. His zeal 
never tired, and the simplicity of his hfe, and inva- 
riably amiable temper, won for him many an honest 
heart. 

64. There, too, was the. heavenly-minded Ma- 
hew, devoting his splendid talents to win the untu- slif^Jt' 
tored savage. With many expressions of gratitude 

and love he left tliem, and took passage for Eng- 
land, hoping to awaken some interest there. They 
never looked upon his much-loved form again, and 
tidings never reached them of the ship in which 
he sailed. But such was the force of the god-like 
example of the son, that his father, bowed down 
with the weight of seventy years, resolved on 
assuming the toils and duties of tlie son, and at 
the age of fourscore and twelve was still zealously 



irients 
have the 
Chero- 
kees 



66 INDIAN HISTORY. 

engaged. The happiest results followed these 
labors ; but no one could essentially change the 
manners and habits of the tribes. 

65. Within the century and a half durino^ which 

What •' , . ° ^ 

imiirove- x\-^q Clicrokees have been acquainted with Euro- 
peans, they have learned the use of the plough and 

made? thc axe, of herds and flocks, of the printing press 
and water mills ; they have gained a mastery over 
the fields, and taught the streams to run for their 
benefit. 

66. Whence came the red man ? was the frequent 
and anxious inquiry that followed the discovery of 
America. 

What Several tribes of the present southern Indians 

tions" have traditions that they came from the east or 
Indians throusrh the Atlantic ocean. Raflinesque says it is 

respect- '^ i ^ 

mgS^'^ important to distinguish the American nations of 
eastern origin from those of the northern, who, he 
says, were invaders from Tartary, and were as dif- 
ferent in their manners as were the Romans and 
Yandals. 

What 67. Dr. Mitchell, after much research, concluded 

said Dr , * • i i i • -i 

Mitcheu? that Asia and America were peopled by similar 
races of men — that America as well as Asia had 
its Tartars on the north, and its Malays on the 
south. 

In what The American and Mono^olian races of men on 

do the . . 

Indians \\^q ^yQ sldcs of tlic Paclfic havc a near resem- 

resemhle 

go?ian°"" blance. The skulls are so nearly alike, that a 
careful observer could not distinguish one from the 
other. 

68. The dwellers on the Aleutian isles resemble 
the inhabitants of each continent ; and as the 



race? 



FATE OF THE INDIANS. 67 

adventurous Ledyard stood in Siberia, with men whaidid 
of the Mongohan race before him, and compared remark 
them with the Indians who had been his com- subjecu 
panions and school-mates at Dartmouth, he writes 
dehberately that, " universally and circumstan- 
tially, they resemble the aborigines of America." 
On the Connecticut and the Obi, he saw but one 
racg.. 

69. He that flescribes the Tungusians of Asia, 
seems also to describe the North American.' That 
the Tschukchi of North-eastern Asia and the Esqui- 
maux of America are of the same origin, is proved 
by the affinity of their languages, thus establishing 
a connection between the continents, previous to 
the discovery of America by Europeans. 

The indigenous population of America offers no what is 
new obstacle to faith in the unity of the human regard to 

'' the bear- 

race, agreeable to the plain statement of the Bible jhf.affin- 

on that subject, which is a book entitled to theunhyS^ 

term antiquity paramount to all records now in man 

■' ^ ^ family? 

existence. 

70. A melancholy interest surrounds the fate of ^^,^^^^ .^^ 
the red man. Once, sole lords of a rich and almost [.^"^on''-''^ 
boundless country, they have been crowded farther of"'the 
and farther from their sunny hunting-grounds — 
farther from the noble rivers they so much loved, 

and the blue Atlantic, upon whose waves they 
thought many a good spirit dwelt. 

Some of them, overwhelmed with misfortunes, 
calmly submitted to their fate, and after the last 
struggle over the graves of their nation and kin- 
dred (a spot venerated by the red man), they de- 
parted never to return. Others fought long and 



68 INDIAN HISTORY. 

bravely, and chose rather to die within sight of the 
soil they once owned and upon the graves of their 
warriors. " By and by," says one who mourns 
their hapless fate, " they will have passed the 
Rocky Mountains, and in a few centuries scarcely 
a remnant will be seen, unless along the beach of 
the Pacific, the utmost boundary to which they 
can flee ; where, as they gaze upon'the illimitable 
expanse, and turn back to the country of their 
ancestors, they will mingle with the resounding 
surge the death-song of departed nations." 



HISTORY 



UNITED STATES OE AMERICA 



DIVISION OF THE HISTORY, 
BY EPOCHS, 

IN THREE PARTS 



PART I. 

COMPRISES THE EVENTS WHICH OCCURRED FROM THE 
DISCOVERY OF AMERICA BY COLUMBUS, TO THE DECLARA- 
TION OF INDEPENDENCE, IN 1776, 

EXTENDING 284 YEARS, 



PART II. 

COMPRISES THE EVENTS WHICH OCCURRED FROM THE 

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE TO THE COMMENCEMENT 

OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, IN 1789, 

EXTENDING 13 YEARS. 



PART III. 

COMPRISES THE EVENTS WHICH OCCURRED FROM THE 

COMMENCEMENT OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO THE 

CLOSE OF THE HISTORY, IN 1848. 

EXTENDING 59 YEARS. 




DEATH OF KING PHILIP. 



PART I., 

EXTENDING 284 YEARS — FROM THE DISCOVERY 
OF AMERICA IN 1492, TO THE DECLARA- 
TION OF INDEPENDENCE IN 1776. 

CHAPTER I. 

HE voyages and discoveries of 
Christopher Columbus opened 
a new and brilliant era in the 
history of the world, and ex- 
cited the admiration of all the 
nations of Europe. The mon- 
archs, who had derided his 
undertaking, when he presented himself before 




What 
spi.if di 
the clis 
CO very i 
Coliim- 
bii.= ex- 
cite in 
Euroi-e 



72 ' EARLY DISCOVERIES. paj.^ j, 

14:92 them, in poverty, to beg their assistance, now saw, 

in the newly-discovered wilds of the Western 

whatdid World, which the genius of Columbus had laid 

ferent opcii to their view, a ffOlden prize, a share of which 

nations ' 3 o i ; 

these"' they, eagerly attempted to secure. 
chscover- 2. Columbus was born at Genoa, in the year 
1447, and early manifested a strong partiality for 
When the different sciences, but more particularly for that 
where of matliematics. Blessed with a vivid imagina- 

was Co- . • I ■ 1 1 • J- • 

bom'T ^^^^' ^^^ ardent courage and great piety, oi untir- 
ing energy and perseverance, he seemed raised up 
by Providence for the great work in which he 
S^^of engaged, and in which his success excelled even 
histor7?^ his wildest dreams, or the most gorgeous pictures 
of his glowing and vivid imagination. 

3. The mariner's compass had already been dis- 
covered, and with this sure ffuide and trusty com- 

cow'' panion, the voyager boldly launched out into 
embra-'^ unkuowii scas. ColuiTibus early embraced the 
idea, entertained by few, of the rotundity of the 
earth ; hence he believed that the Indies and a 
vast amount of undiscovered land might be reach- 
ed by sailing west. Strongly impressed with the 
truth of this idea, and knowing that such discov- 
eries would be of incalculable benefit to the 
whom nation which made them, he explained his views 

did he 

explain succcssively to John II. of Portugal, Henry VII. of 
views? England, and to Ferdinand and Isabella, king and 

queen of Spain, beseeching them to aid him in the 
With prosecution of his great enterprise ; but they, 
success? ignorant and short-sighted, and believing him to 

be a wild adventurer, refused their assistance. 

4. He had already wasted seven years of hi a 



Chap. I. DEATH OF COLUMBUS. ^ 73 

life in a fruitless strugg-le to obtain his wish. His 1492 
suit had been twice rejected by the court of Spain, 
Avhen he was summoned by Isabella to appear 
before her. This amiable queen interested herself 

1 Who at 

so strongly in his behalf, that, finding it impossible If^f^J'^jg 
to take the money from a treasury which had been ^"''"*^- 
impoverished by a long war, she offered to pledge 
her private jewels, to obtain the means to fit out what 
the expedition and defray the expenses of the g^^^-, 
voyage. 

5. The necessary funds were accordingly ad- 
vanced, and on the 3d of August, 1492, Colum- Ji^^'co- 
bus, with three small vessels, set sail from Palos, m^e^his 
on his voyage of discovery. After having encoun- age? 
tered innumerable hardships, controlled his muti- 
nous crew-, and sailed thousands of miles over an ,,., 

' • \\ hat 13 

unknown ocean, on the 11th of October, 1492, the hli'^firsf 
joyful shout of " lafid, la?id,^^ rung from ship to elyT"" 
ship, and soon after his feet trod the soil of the 
New World. Throwing himself upon his knees, 
and kissing the ground, he unfurled the banner of 
Spain, and taking possession of the soil in the 
name of his royal mistress, called it " San Sal- 
vador." 

6. He subsequently made three other voyages, what of 
during the years of 1493, 1498, and 1502, in which voyages? 
he discovered many of the West India and Carib- 
bean isles, and a considerable portion of the shores 

of the Gulf of Mexico. On returning from his-yvhatof 
last voyage, finding Isabella, his patroness, dead, fn^'hls- 
and his claims disregarded, he gradually sunk 
beneath his sufferings, and died on the 20th of 
May, 1506, in the 59th year of his age. His last 

4 



74 EARLY DISCOVEillES. Part I. 

1497 words were, " Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend 
iny sphit." His body was deposited in the convent 
of St. Francisco, but afterward was conveyed, with 
the remains of his son Diego, to Hispaniola, and 
here again disinterred and removed to Havana, in 
the island of Cuba, where it now reposes. 

7. Near the close of his life he was misrepre- 
sented and persecuted. The honors due to .him 
when living, have been freely awarded to him by 
succeeding generations. In his career, we perceive 
what perseverance and untiring energy, aided by a 
firmness of purpose, can accomplish. During his 
Avhole life he was surrounded with difficulties and 
dangers ; yet, instead of shrinking before their 
magnitude, he pressed eagerly on, surmounted 
them all, and placed his name, surrounded with 
glory, upon the brightest page of history. 

What 8. The mao^nificent achievement of Columbus, 

was now '-' 

S'^'th? revealing the wonderful truth, of which the germs 
iTiseoi may have existed in the imagination of every 
bus? thoughtful mariner, won the admiration which 
was due to an enterprise that seemed more divine 
than human, and kiodled, in the breast of the emu- 
lous, a vehement desire to gain as signal renown in 
the same career of daring. 
Give an 9. Johu Cabot, a Venetian merchant, residing at 
of the Bristol, England, with Jiis son, Sebastian Cabot, 

discover- 5 & ) ) J 

cablft?^ both men of great learning, obtained a patent from 
Henry VIL, " the most ancient American state 
paper of England," authorizing them to plant the 
fiag of England upon any soil hitherto unseen by 
Christian people. They sailed from England in 
May, 1497. and in June discovered the American 



Chap. I. 



ALONZO DE OJEDA. 75 



continent in the latitude of fifty-six degrees, among 1501 
the rude savages and the dismal cliffs of Labrador. ~~~ 
This discovery was made fourteen months before 
Columbus, on his third voyage, came in sight of 
the main-land, and nearly two years before Ameri- 
go Vespucci sailed west of the Canaries. Shortly 
after their return, another voyage was planned by 
Sebastian Cabot. With three hundred men, he 
sailed for Labrador, by the way of Iceland, which 
he reached in latitude 58° ; but owing to the 
severity of the weather, he turned his course south, 
and proceeded along the shores of the United States 
to the southern boundary of Maryland. 

10. In 1499, Alonzo de Ojeda, a companion of ^^^^^^^f 
Columbus in his first expedition, sailing under the J,oveies 
patronage of several Portugese merchants, dis- deOjedl° 
covered the continent at Paria. Americus Vespu- 
cius, a Florentine gentleman, accompanied him, 

and on his return published such an account of 
his voyage, as to lead to the behef that he was the 
first discoverer. The honor of giving a name to 
the continent, which should have been given to 
Columbus, was accordingly bestowed on him. 

11. In the year 1501, a vessel, under the com- 
mand of Caspar Contereal, was fitted out by the account 

^ ^ ' "^ of the 

kmg of Portugal, and sent on a voyage of discoy- ofcalpar 
ery to the New World. He proceeded to North ST" 
America, and sailed along the coast for six or seven 
hundred miles, admiring the freshness of the ver- 
dure and the density of the stately forests. After 
having freighted his ship with more than fifty Indi- 
ans, he returned to Portugal and sold them as 
slaves. 



of John 
Verazza 
ni7 



T% EARLY DISCOVERIES. Part I. 

15:10 1^- The French king, Francis!., in 1524, sent 
out John Verazzani, a Florentine, who reached the 
continent in the latitude of Wilmington, North 
Carolina. His crew were filled with admiration at 
the tawny color of the Indians, their ornaments, 
and garlands of feathers. As they proceeded far- 
ther north, the groves, redolent w4th fragrance, 
spread their perfumes far from the shore, and gave 
promise of the spices of the east. They anchored 
in the harbor of Newport for fifteen days, and from 
thence sailed along the coast of New England to 
Nova Scotia, when they returned to France. 

13. In 1534, James Cartier, under a commission 
discover from the kino: of France, sailed to America, visited 

les did i^ ' ' 

cartfer the islaiid of Newfoundland, discovered the Gulf 
"^ ^' of St. Lawrence and the great river of Canada. 
On his second voyage, in the following year, he 
sailed up the river as far as the Isle of Orleans. 
Here, leaving his ship, he proceeded in an open 
boat until he reached an Indian village, near the 
site of which now stands the city of Montreal. At 
the Isle of Orleans he spent the winter, which was 
rendered frightful by the intense cold and the rava- 
ges of the scurvy. In 1540, Cartier again returned 
to Canada, for the purpose of planting a settle- 
^^ ment, but was unsuccessful. The king of France 
wSrThi^ afterward granted to De Monts the territory from 
&i{el^'^ New Jersey to Nova Scotia. In virtue of tiiis 
granted T giant, ixi 1604 he commenced the settlement of 
Port Royal, on the south-eastern side of the Bay 
of Fundy; and in 1608, his agent, Samuel Cham- 
plain, laid the foundation of Quebec. 

14. In 1512, Juan Ponce de Leon, a fellow voy- 



Chap. I. PONCE DE LEON. 77 

ai^er of Columbus in his first expedition, sailed 1520 
from Porto Rico with three ships, which he had 
fitted out at his own expense, and in about a month -^hat 
discovered Florida, and landed upon the coast a erf^did 
short distance above St. Auofustine. In Spain he de Leon 

^ r make ? 

had heard a tale, which was there credited by those 
distinguished for virtue and intelligence, of a foun- 
tain which possessed virtues to renovate the life of 
those who should bathe in its streams, or give a 
perpetuity of youth to the happy man who should 
drink of its ever-flowing waters. 

15. This elixir of life was to flow from a per- 
petual fountain in the New World, in the midst of 

T . -1 1 1 I m T For What 

a country glittermg with gems and gold. To dis- [J||]''°j^^ 
cover this fountain, De Leon, whose cheeks had J;X to 
been furrow^ed by hard service, made this voyage ; woiidT 
but, although he* sought for it long and earnestly, 
he w^as compelled to return without having drunk 
of its youth-renewing waters. 

16. In 1520, a company of seven, at the head 

of whom was Lucas Vasquez de Ally on, fitted out ot'/ect ' 
two slave ships from St. Domingo, in quest of 0^",^°",,^^ 
laborers for their plantations. From the Bahama '''''*'^*^- 
islands they passed to the coast of South Carolina, 
invited the natives to visit the ships, and when a 
number had crowded upon the decks, at a given 
signal they weighed anchor, and set sail for St. 
Domingo. Husbands were torn from their wdves, J^J^f'e.s 
and children from their parents ; but the crime was ^'''^^^• 
finally avenged, for one of the ships foundered at 
sea, and the guilty and guiltless perished together. 
Yasquez again sailed to the coast, w^ith the ''oyal 
permission to conquer the country ; but his men 



78 EARLY DISCOVERIES. Part I. 

J 539 were slaughtered by the enraged natives, and he 
returned to his home to die of wounded pride. 

17. Painphiho de Narvaez attempted, at a later 
D?i\ar°^ day, to conquer Florida ; but of three hundred men 

who landed with him on the coast, only five return- 
what of ed. Ferdinand de Soto, the favorite companion of 

De Soto ? ' ^ 

Pizarro in his conquest of Peru, believing Floaida. 
to be a land full of gold and diamonds, and unin- 
timidated at the fate of Narvaez, determined to 
make the conquest at his own expense. No sooner 
were his intentions known, than hundreds of the 
nobles of Castile flocked to his standard. Six hun- 
dred men, in the prime of life, in the glittering 
array of pohshed armor, Avith brilliant hopes, sailed 
with him for the land of promise. 

18. In 1539, he landed in the Bay of Spiritu 
Santo, in Florida. Fearing that his men might 
wish to return, he sent his ships back to Cuba, and 

What of marched boldly forward into the wilderness. Gold 

the ad- -^ 

Inf^'fu^ was the object of his search, and for that he pene- 
K ot trated the country hundieds of miles, in every 
^ "°' direction, entered Georgia and Carolina, crossed 
the Alleghanies, fought a bloody battle with the 
Indians at Mobile, and another with the Chicka- 
saws, in which all their clothes were destroyed, and 
they compelled to clothe themselves in the skins of 
beasts. « 

19. When, at length, they reached the Missis- 
sippi, the spirit of their leader was broken down by 
their long journey. Attacked by a malignant 
fever, and feeling himself to be near his end, he 
called his followers around him, bade them fare- 
well, and died. His body was wrapped in his man- 



Cliap. I. DE SOTO AND COLIGNI. 79 

lie, and, in the stillness of midnight, sunk in the xsg* 
middle of the stream. Th"e discoverer of the Mis- 
sissippi slept beneath its waters. His men, under 
the successor which he had appointed, wandered 
in the wilderness for a few months, and then em- 
barking upon the river in boats, sailed down the 
stream until they reached the Gulf of Mexico, 
when they pursued their way along the coast until 
they arrived at a Spanish settlement in Mexico, 
nearly four years from the time they first com- 
menced their wanderings in the wilderness. 

20. Jasper Colig-ni, the leader of the Huo^uenot „,, . 

^ ^ ' ^ What 13 

party in France, determined to establish a settle- coiL-m^i 
ment in America, to which the Protestants could 
flee from the persecutions which harassed them in 
their native land. He accordingly, in 1562, after 
having secured a commission from the king, sent 
out two ships under the command of John Ribault. 
La^id was first discovered on the coast of Florida, 
in the latitude of St. Augustine. Sailing north, 
he entered a river, which he named Port Royal, 
and erected upon an island a fort, which he called 
Fort Charles. Leaving there a colony under Cap- 
tain Albert, he returned to France. 

21. The people soon after mutinied, killed Cap- 
tain Albert, and in a small ship set sail for France. ^^^^^ ^^ 
In 1564, Laudonnier sailed for Florida with three ^-^"^^nd 
ships. He landed at the river May, and built a 

fort, which, in honor of the French king, he named 
Carolina. In the following year, Ribault arrived a 
second time, and was. made governor of the colony 
at Carolina. Spain had never relinquished her 
claim to this country, which, she maintained, be- 



80 EARLY DISCOVERIES. Parti. 

1564 longed to her by right of discovery. Philip II. 
determined to destroy the nest of heretics who had 
settled there, and plant in their place a Catholic 
colony. 
What of 22. He accordingly sent over Pedro Melendez, 
Melen- a man accustomed to scenes of blood and butchery. 
Landing upon the coast of Florida, south of the 
French settlement, he laid the foundation of the 
city of St. Augustine, the oldest town by forty 
years of any in the United States. The French 
had received intimation of the design of the 
Spaniards, and sent out an expedition by sea to 
attack them in their harbor ; but meeting with a 
terrific storm, the ships were wrecked, and nearly 
all on board perished. Melendez, marching with 
his troops through the forest, attacked the French 
in their rear, and massacred the whole company 
excepting Laudonnier and a few others, who 
escaped to France. 

23. Over their corpses he placed the inscription, 
" We do not this as unto Frenchmen, hut as unto 
heretics.''^ Upon the ground, smoking with the 
blood of a peaceful colony, a cross was raised and 
the site of a church selected. Melendez then 
erected three forts for the defense of the country, 
and strongly garrisoned them with Spanish sol- 
diers. 
What of 24- "T"!^^ French king took no notice of this mas- 
ge^s?°^" sacre ; but the Chevalier de Gorges, a bold soldier, 
fitted out an expedition at his own expense, and 
sailed for Florida, determinecj to avenge the death 
of his countrymen. On his arrival, he made a 
descent upon tlie Spaniards, razed their forts, hung 



Chap. X. ^J^ WALTER RALEIGH. 81 

two hundred of their ganison, writing over them, 1,5^3 
^^ I do not this to Spaniards, hut unto traitors^ rob- 
bjrs, and murderers T France disavowed the 
expedition, and relinquished all pretension to 
Florida. 

25. In 1583, Sir Humphrey Gilbert, a soldier and ^ ^ ^^^ 
a statesman, having received a grant from Q,ueen ^^11,^"; 
Elizabeth of such lands as he might discover and 
occupy, sailed with five ships for the purpose of 
making a settlement in America. Landing at 
Newfoundland, he took possession of the country 

in the name of his sovereign, and then proceeded 
south ; but meeting with a terrific storm, in which 
one of his ships was wrecked, he altered his c(^rse 
and sailed for England. His ship foundered at 
sea, and the brave Gilbert, with all his crew, per- 
ished. 

26. Sir Walter Raleigh, warned by the sad fate 

of his step-brother, resolved on a settlement in a p^jent 

r ' did riir 

milder climate. Having obtained from Ehzabeth JJ-.^b- 
a patent as ample as that conferred on Gilbert, in EUza-*'*" 
which he was constituted a lord proprietor with 
almost unlimited powers, he dispatched two vessels 
for the New World, under the command of Philip 
Amidas and Arthur Barlow. Arriving opposite the 
shores of Carolina, they, entered the first conveni- 
ent harbor, and took possession of the country for 
their queen. It was in the month of July, and the 
land seemed like the garden of Eden. The grapes S^'^r 
were so abundant on every vine, that the surge of U}^d?s!"' 

1 •III- II 111- covered ? 

the ocean, as it rolled m upon the shore, dashed its 
spray upon the clusters. Elizabeth, as she heard 
their reports of the enchanted regions which they 

4* 



82 EARLY DISCOVERIES. 



Parti. 



1602 ^^^^ discovered, as a memorial of her unmarried 

state, named them Virginia. 
What 2^- Raleigh, encouraged by these favorable ac- 

doirwas counts, fitted out, in 1585, seven ships, to convey to 

fitted out , . . , . ^ 

in 1585? his new possessions the emigrants who were eager 
to settle in so delightful a country. The command 
of the expedition was given to Sir Richard Green- 
ville, and Ralph Lane accompanied it as governor 
S^'cjf of ^he colony. In a short time he reached Vir- 
h£S\ ginia, and having left the settlers on the island of 
Roanoke, returned to England. Lane was cruel 
and avaricious, and by his imprudence excited the 
animosity of the Indians. Fortunately, in the fol- 
io w^pg year, when the colonists were reduced 
Zme to almost to starvation. Sir Francis Drake arrived 
onhe from an expedition against the Spaniards, and car- 
nists? ried them back to England. Shortly after their 
departure, a ship, sent out by Raleigh, arrived with 
supplies, but found no one to receive them. 
Under ^^' ^'^ 1587, Raleigh sent out another colony, 
was'^^a under the command of Captain White. Soon after 
lonysent thcir aiiival, White returned to England to obtain 
supplies. Owing to a war in which England was 
embroiled with Spain, nearly three years elapsed 
before he could return, and then the colony was 
completely destroyed, no one being left to tell its 
fate. Raleigh, discouraged at these repeated fail- 
ures of his plans, made no farther attempt to colo- 
nize the country, which for many years remained 
in the quiet possession of the natives. 

29. In 1602, Bartholomew Gosnold sailed for 



out, m 
1587 



What is 
said of 
its fate ? 



What is 
said of 
the voy- 



America, and reached the coast of Massachusetts 
uf^noid^ ifi May. Proceeding south, he discovered Cape 



Cliap. I. ^^^^^ LONDON COMPANY. 83 

Cod, entered Buzzard's Bay, and, after trading a 1603 
while with the Indians, returned home. In 1603 ~~ 
and 1605, two voyages were made, one by Martin ^^j^^^^ 
Pring, and the other by George Weymouth, in vSlffes 
which many rivers and bays on the coast of Maine mtuiei 
and Massachusetts were discovered. 

30. The accounts of these navigators re-awaken- 
ed the spirit of emigration wliicli had so long 
remained dormant, and led to an extensive scheme 
of colonization. Through the influence of Mr. 
Ricliard Hackluyt, an association of influential 
gentlemen was formed for the purpose of sending 
colonies to America. Virginia, at that time, ex- 
tended from the southern boundary of North Caro- 
lina to the northern boundary of Maine. 

31. Two companies were formed ; one, composed what 
of noblemen and gentlemen in and about London, <^^fji^'^- 
was called the London company; the second, of Sed, 
knights and gentlemen in the west, called the Ply- ferritory 
mouth company. The former had an exclusive right f^°-f.^^^^ , 
to occupy the regions from thirty- four to thirty-eight 
degrees of north latitude ; the latter had an exclu- 
sive right to the country between forty-one and 
forty-five degrees. The intermediate district from 
thirty-eight to forty-one degrees was open to both 
companies. 

32. The superintendence of each district was jj^^^ 
confided to a council in England, appointed by the d[fnu-il^ 
kinff. The local administration of each colony gov- *" 
was entrusted to a council residmg withm its limits, 

also appointed by the king, and to act in conform- 
ity with his instructions. Thus to the corporation 
nothing was given but a territory, with the right 



84 VIRGINIA. p^^, I. 

1606 of peopling and defending it, while to the raonarch 
was reserved absolute legislative authority, with 
the control of all appointments. 



CHAPTER II. 

VIRGINIA. 

1. One hundred and nine years had iolled away 
What since the discovery of the American continent bv 

\vai! the_ J J 

vhSnia* Cabot, sixty-one years from the settlement of Flor- 

after ai- Ida, aud yet no permanent colony had been estab- 

^o^ered lishcd lu Yirgiuia. Repeated attempts had been 

^^'^ made, but through Avant of proper foresight they 

had proved unsuccessful. In 1606 the London 

pedlcion Company, after having matured a plan of settle- 
was sent i J J o 1 

the Lo^n- nient, and formed the laws which were to govern 
pany"i?i' it, scnt out to Soutli Virginia tliree ships and 105 
men, under the command of Newport. 

2. The names and instructions of the council 
were handed to Newport in a sealed box, with 
orders not to open it until twenty-four hours after 
his arrival in America. During the voyage the 
genius and energy of Capt. John Smith excited 
jealousy, and under the frivolous charge of wish- 



What 13 
said of 
Captain 
John 
Smith ? 



What 
rouie 

^ued^by ing to murder the council and proclaim himself 
and"^^""' ' king of Virginia, he was placed in confinement. 
?each^ihe Ncwport Sailed by the way of the West India 
nent'i Islauds, intending to land at Roanoke ; but a vio- 



Chap. II. CAPT. JOHN SMITH. 



85 



lent storm drove him north into the Chesapeake leoT 
bay. Discovering a noble river, they named it 
James, after their monarch. what 

3. The rich country and the flowery shrubs which he dis- 

•^ -^ cover, 

bordered the shore invited them to enter. They ^,;iJSf 
sailed up the stream about fifty miles, encountering seiect^for 
the hostility of but one small tribe, and selected the mem.! 
peninsula of Jamestown for the site of the colony. ^^^^^ .^ 
Wingfield was elected President of the council ; but '^^-J,^."^ 
Smith, although released from confinement, was smuh?"^ 
excluded from his seat in their body, notwithstand- 
ing he had been duly appointed by the Company. 
The attempt at his trial was finally abandoned, and 
he restored to his station. Although surrounded, 
by Indians, from whom they could expect but little what of 

, , I • 1 1 • • fhe cha- 

assistance, the colony, which was composed prmci- meter of 
pally of indolent gentlemen, paid no attention tos'^'^^^- 
the cultivation, of the soil, so that famine soon 
stared them in the face. 

4. Newport sailed for England in June, and in a ^vhat of 
few weeks after his departure scarcely ten of the femig^a' 
siettlers were able to walk. They fell victims to colony 

.' after the 

diseases occasioned by the want of food, the heat J^e'^or 
of the climate, and the decay of luxuriant vegeta- JSY 
tion. Often four or five died in a night, and in the 
morning their bodies were trailed out of the cabin, 
like dogs, to be buried. Such was the mortahty 
that by autumn fifty men had perished. Gosnold, 
the projector of the settlement, Avas among the 
number. 

5. Disunion complef^d the work of misery, wh.tof 
Wingfield, the avaricious President, was deposed t/each-, 
from office for dishonesty in appropriating- the pub- J^^j||^- 



S6 VIRGINIA. Part I. 

16<)T ^^^ stores to his own use, and Ratcliffe appointed in 
his place ; bat the latter, ignorant and indolent, 
Ji;^" was glad to leave the management of affairs to 
u,e"'af^'^ Smith, whose cheerful courage alone diffused hght 
the wio amid the general gloom. 

6. His whole life had been spent in the service 
of humanity. The trials through which he had 
passed were evidently intended to fit him for the 

said of o-reat part he was to play in the settlement of Vir- 

the ener- or i ^ 

larij^'iite ginia. He had visited Egypt, Italy and France, and 
ofsmith? |-Q^jg]-^^ jj^ j^any battles against the Turks. At 
length taken prisoner and sent to Constantinople 
as a slave, he was reheved by a Turkish lady and 
finally regained his liberty. Returning to England, 
he shared in the general enthusiasm of planting 
States in America, and now the infant common- 
wealth of Yirginia depended for its existence upon 
his firmness. He inspired the natjves with aw^e, 
and quelled the spirit of anarchy and rebellion 
among the emigrants. 

7. He was accustomed to make frequent excuiv 
sions into the interior to obtain provisions and ex- 

Howwas plore the country. In one of these expeditions, 
prisOTe*^r" after having ascended the Chickahominy river near- 
indians? ly to Its source, he was attacked by a party of In- 
dians and all of his companions killed. Seizing 
an Indian youth he held him as a shield between 
his body and the enemy and fled ; but being unac- 
quainted with the country, he sunk to his neck in 
a swamp and was taken prisoner. 

8. Smith now preservecf his life by his calmness 

How did 1 1 r • T-w • 1 • 1 

he pre aud seli-Dossession. Displaymsr a pocket compass 

serve his * . . 

^'*" he amused the savages by an explanation of its 



Chap. II. CAPT. JOHN SMITH. 87 

powers, and increased their admiration of his genius kjos 
by imparting" to them some conception of tlie form 
of the earth and the nature of the planetary sys- .,.y 
tern. Tlieir wonder, however, soon seemed to abate, diSTey 
and he was led in triumph to Powliattan, tlieir >iim,and 
king. Powhattan and his council doomed him to ^^'^J-^,f^ 
death, as a man whose genius and courage were late^'^ 
dangerous to the Indians. He was accordingly led 
to execution, but just as Powhattan had raised his 
chib to perform its murderous work, Pocahontas, 
his youthful dauohter, rushed through the crowd whatcir- 

•' 7 o cumstan- 

and with a shriek threw herself upon the prostrate |j^] ,^'t^^ 
form of Smith, at the same time casting an im- sefved? 
ploring look toward her father, with eyes, swim- 
ming with tears besought his life. The heart of 
the savao^e king was touched with pity, and drop- 
ping the war-club he laised his daughter and the ^^.^ ^ap- 
captive from the ground. Smith was now looked 
upon as a friend, and succeeded in establishing a 
peaceful intercourse between the English and the 
tribes of Powhattan. Thus his captivity, on the 
whole, was a benefit to the colony. • 

9. Returning to Jamestown he found the colony jn^hai 
in a state of great confusion and distress. Only STa'^'he" 
forty of the emisrrants w^ere alive, and the stronger colony on 

^ ' o his re- 

part of these had seized the pinnace to make their ^""'• 

escape. This third attempt at desertion he re- 
pressed at the hazard of his life. Newport soon said of 

^ _ , ^ the arri- 

arrived with supplies and one hundred and twenty Ji^^'e'^pyrt 
emigrants ; ' but, unhappily, most of them were chamc-® 
vagabond gentlemen and goldsmiths, who gave a emi" 
wrong direction to the industry of the colony. Be- ^ho^ 
lievin^ they had found grains of gold in a glitter- 1)''',-|', 



benefit to 

the 

whites? 



What IS 
said of 
his ad- 
ministra- 
tion ? 



^ VIRGINIA. Parti. 

1609 ^^^S sand which abounded near Jamestown, a ship 
was loaded with it and sent to England, where it 
didthey^was found to be no better than common earth. 
fhei?'^ Finding the people too mad to pursue any useful ob- 
what re- j®^^'^^^^ disgusted at the follies which he had vainly 
^""'- opposed. Smith set off to explore the country, and 
^°r '^^ sailed in an open boat three thousand miles along 
alter- the coast, discovering many beautiful bays and 
t^J^u^^ rivers : thus adding greatly to the geographical 
knowledge of the country. 

10. Three days after his return he was made 
President of the council. Under his energetic ad- 
ministration order and industry began to prevail, 
when Newport arrived with a second supply and 
seventy emigrants. They considered themselves 
above labor, but Smith insisted that if they would 
not work they should not eat, so that they were 
soon Avilling to drop the gentleman and labor like 
the rest. Jamestown now began to assume the 
appearance of a regular place of abode ; yet at the 
expiration of two years not more than thirty or 
forty acres of land had been cultivated, and the 
colonists were often compelled to solicit food from 
the Indians to preserve themselves from starvation. 

11. In 1609 the London Company obtained a 
new charter, enlarging their territory and increas- 

obtained iuff their privileofes. The council in England and 

by the ^ ^ . ^ , . * 

Com"" ^^^^ governor, before appointed by the king, were to 
"^' be chosen by the stockholders, and the governor to 
^^^. reside in Virginia. Lord Delaware was appointed 
thl'expe- governor for life. Soon • after, nine ships, cariying 
sent*out? five huudrcd emigrants and certain officers appoint- 
ed to supersede the existing government, were sent 



■\Vhal 
was the 
condition 
of the 
colony 
two 
yL'ar# 
from its 
settle- 
ment? 



Whnt is 

SMid of 

f'e ne-.v 
clinrfer 



CHap. II. SECOND CHARTER. 89 

out from England. A violent stoim arising, the j (j . q 
ship in which these officers sailed was wrecked on 
the island of Bermuda. A small ketch perished, 
and seven ships only arrived in Virginia. 

12. The new emigrants were most of them rakes 
and libertines, men more fitted to corrupt th'an to what 
found a commonwealth. Declaring that the old cKmic-'^ 
charter was abrogated, and that until the arrival '/^'e. new 
of the goverjior, no one in the colony had any ^[,d"^vhai 
authority from the new grant, anarchy seemed at dui''^ 
hand. But Smith insisted that his office did nott"'S"e? 
expire until the arrival of the new governor, reso- ^,,-,j^, j^,. 
lutely maintained his authority until, disabled by hit' '"Je- 
an accidental discharge of gunpowder, he delegated England? 
his authority to Percy and embarked for England. 

13. The colonists, no lono^er controlled by an 

' ° -^ What 

acknowledo^ed authority, were soon abandoned to ^^"^ 
idleness. The Indians learning that the only man f^Zn^^ 
whom they dreaded had left the colony, not only "'^' 
refused to supply them with food, but murdered a 
large number, and laid their plans to starve and 
destroy the whole company. So great was the 
famine, that the settlers devoured the skins of their JJ^of 
horses and the bodies of the Indians whom they ile/'^'"' 
had killed. Smith, at his departure, had left more 
than four hundred and ninety persons in the colo- 
ny; in six months the number was reduced to 
sixty, and these were so dejected that if relief had 
not arrived, in ten days all must have perished. 

14. At this frightful period, Sir Thomas Gates 
ariived with the passengers who had been wrecked Y^t^'^^ir 
upon the coast of Bermuda. All immediately de- "he'^',;-*" 
termined to sail for Newfoundland. They accord- ciLl'l 



90 VIRGINIA. Parti. 

1612 if^gly embarked on board of the newly-arrived 
ships and dropped down the stream with the tide ; 
What ^^^^ ^^^^ next morning they fell in near the mouth 
ef thefr of the river with the long-boat of Lord Delaware, 
their "^ who had arrived on the coast with emigrants and 

plans in- _ .... 

I?,^^^'^" supplies. The fugitives immediatel}'- returned to 
Jamestown. 

15. The severe trials through which they had 
passed had learned them their dependence upon 
God, and they now recommenced their colony with 
appropriate religious services, acknowledging the 
hand of Providence so signally displayed in saving 

What of them from famine and utter extinction. Under the 

the ad- 

ti^on'^'of mild administration of Lord Delaware order and 
awure^ contcutment were restored, and the colony soon as- 
sumed the appearance of affluence and security. 
In a short time his health making it necessary for 
him to return to England he was succeeded by Sir 
Thomas Dale. 
What is 16. In the same year Sir Thomas Gates was ap- 
the ad- pointed governor and sailed for Virginia with six 

ministra- r o o ^ 

Gates°^ ships and three hundred emigrants. On his arri- 
val he assumed the government of the colony, 
which then numbered seven hundred men. 

Hitherto all property had been held in common, 
but now a new plan was adopted, and each man 
had a few acres assigned to him as his own. This 
produced a beneficial change, for the love of pos- 
session stimulated each one to improve his own to 
the utmost. 
change 17. lu 1612 auother change in the charter of the 
place in Virginia Company took place, granting to them the 
1612?" Bermudas and all islands within three hundred 



How 
were the- 



Chap. II. THIRD CHARTER. 

leagues of the Virginia sliore, and giving the con- ig 
tiol of the colony to the members of the company. 
These men appointed the officers, and made the 
laws — the settlers being excluded, as heretofore, from 
any influence in the government. 

18. In the following year the hostility of the 
Indian tribes was changed into friendship by the ^osn£ 
marriage of Pocahontas to a.young EngUshman, by [j','^,J"' 
the name of John Rolfe. With the approbation of Sto"^^"^ 
her father and friends, Opachisco, her uncle, gave the »hip? 
bride away in the little church at Jamestown, and 

she stammered, before the altar her marriage vows 
according to the rites of the English service. In whatof 
1616 she sailed with her husband for England, and ture his- 

~ ' tory of 

was received at court Avith the distinction due to an J^lJfs, 
American princess. As she was preparing to return 
to America she fell a victim to the English climate, 
at the age of twenty-two — saved, as if by the hand 
of mercy, from beholding the extermination of the 
tribes from which she sprung, leaving a spotless 
name, and dwelling in memory under the form of 
perpetual youth. 

19. In 1619, under the administration of Yeardly, 

: 1 1 1 • TT- • • Whatoc- 

the first colonial assembly ever held in Virginia met cimed 

•^ " ^ under 

at Jamestown. The house of hiirgesses, as it was Jjjf„is^fa- 
called, could debate and enact laws, but they could YeardiV? 
not be of force till they were ratified by the compa- 
ny in England. Nearly thirteen years had now 
passed away since the settlement had been begun. S%e 
More than eipfhty thousand pounds had been ex- of the 

'^ •> * ^ colony 

pended by the company, yet the colony contained 
only six hundred persons. In 1620, however, forma 
through the influence of Sir Edward Sandy 



thirteen 
years 
from its 



92 VIRGINIA. p^^^,^ 

1621 twelve hundred and sixty-one emigrants came 
i^^^v "out. 

^uiL 20. Most of these settlers were without families. 

in 1620? To strengthen their attachment to the land of their 

^'If was adoption, the company prevailed upon ninety young 

foTur-'^ women to embark for the colony, where they were 

u'em assured of a welcome. On their arrival they had 

wives? no difficulty in finding agreeable partners. The 

husbands paid the expenses of emigration, the price 

of a wife being about one hundred and fifty pounds 

of tobacco. Domestic ties were formed ; new emi- 

l™the giants constantly arrived, and within three years, 

reset? j^j-j^.^^ thousaud fivc hundred persons found their 

way to Virgmia, which was a refuge even for 

Puritans. 

What is 21. In 1620 a Dutch man-of-war entered James 

said of 

theintro- nvcr aud landed twenty negroes for sale. This is 

auction >' o 

siavS° the sad epoch of the introduction of negro slavery 
in ihe English colonies. The system was fastened 
on the rising institutions of America, not by the 
consent of the corporation, nor the desire of the 
emigrants ; but, as it was introduced by the mer- 
cantile avarice of a foreign nation, so it was subse- 
quently riveted by the policy of England, without 
regard to the interest or wishes of the colony. The 
number of slaves increased very slowly in V irginia, 
so that thirty years after their first importation 
there was not more than one slave to fifty whites. 
What' 22. In 1621 Sir Ralph Wyatt arrived as the suc- 
kfcon'^ cessor o'f Yeardly. He brought with him a written 
brought" constitution, securing many valuable privileges to 
Wyatt ''^' the colonists, and amono^ them the trial by jury 

secure ? >/ ^ ^ 

and local courts founded on Endish law. The 



Chap. II. WRITTEN CONSTITUTION. 93 

governor and assembly chosen by the people were le^jj 
to exercise full legislative authority, but no law 
would be valid unless ratified by the company in 
England. With singular justice it was also or- 
dained, that no order of the court in London should 
bind the colony unless ratified by the general as- 
sembly. 

22. Under these equitable laws and the mild ad- ^jj^^jl 
ministration of Wyatt, the colony continued in [Jy*" under 
the full tide of prosperity ; but a storm was gather- regufa- 
ing which was soon to sweep over their settlements 
ill fury, changing their smiling villages to heaps 
of burning ruins. Powhattan, the father of Poca- 
hontas, remained, after the marriage of his daugh- ^^^^^ 
ter, the firm friend of the English. In 1618 he Swed 
died, and his younsrer brother, who was now the death 
heir to his iniiuence, viewed with a jealous eye the hattan? 
gradual encroachments of the Enghsh, and deter- 'l^°^l^^ 
mined to destroy them. By his art and eloquence "vSr'*"® 
he united all the neio^hborinsf tribes in his horrible ties 

° ^ brought 

design. ' ^^^"^'^ 

24. The Indians, up to the very hour of the 
massacre, with the cunning and treachery peculiar 
to that r£tce, professed a warm friendship for the 
whites. They entered their houses, sat at their 
tables, and brought them presents of game and 
fish. Precisely at mid-day, on a given signal, the 
terrible war-whoop rang through their villages, and 
.the work of blood commenced. Neither the c^ray whatis 
hairs of old age, weeping mothers, nor smihng child- gJcrr?^"' 
hood, could soften the heart of their savage foe, as, 
with face distorted with passion, and eyes blazing 
with fury, they crashed with their tomahawks and 



94 VIRGINIA. 



Part I< 



1624: huge war-clubs through the skulls of their victims. 
All upon whom they could lay their hands were 
murdered. In one hour three hundred and forty- 
seven persons were cut off. 

How 25. None would have been saved had not a do- 

\vas the 

destruc- niesticated Indian, residing in one of the villages, 
thT ^^ revealed the plot to his master, whom he had been 
prevent rcqucstcd to muidei'. Information was immediately 
given to some of the nearest settlements, just in 
time to save them from the calamity which fell 
upon others. Had not the watchful care of Provi- 
dence warned the few who were saved through this 
faithful Indian, the sun of that colony would have 
set in blood, not one being left to tell the tale. 

26. The English, roused to vengeance at this 
treachery of the Indians, commenced asrainst them 

What -^ ^ ' o 

fhe?r^*^ a war of extermination. The savages were driven 

tief? '' back into the wilderness by their victorious foes ; 

but the number of whites gradually melted away 

many by war and famine, until in 1624 of nine thousand 

were hv- •' ' 

thi coio- persons who had been sent from England but 
1624?" eighteen hundred existed in the colony. 

27. KinsT James declared that these continued 

What . „ 

step did misfortunes were owins^ to the bad erovelnment of 
the colony, and sent out three commissioners to 
Virginia to inquire into the state of the plantation ; 

Virginia? but, determined to have the government in his own 
hands, before they returned a judicial trial was in- 
stituted, which resulted in the cancehng of the 
charter. Virginia was changed into a royal pro- 
vince and a governor appointed by the king. 

28. In 1625 Charles I. ascended the throne of 
England. One of his first Virginia measures was 



James 
take to 
obtain 
the char- 
ter of 



Cliap. II. CHARTER CANCELLED. 95 

toaaiioimce his fixed resolution of becoming, through 1^25 
his agents, the sole factor of the planters ; but this jg* 
resolution was never carried into effect. In 1628 S^he 
Sir John Harvey was appointed governor. From s'nia 

_ •' ^ ^ ^ ^ _ measure 

the time of his first appearance in America, in o^'^chas. 
1623, he had been looked upon with aversion by i628. 
the colonists. They beheld in him a tyrant, who sai/ of 

• . /. 1 • 1/. , Governor 

preferred the mterests of hmiself and patrons to the Harvey? 
welfare and quiet of the colony. 

29. The colonists at length, indio^nant at his re- For what 

" ' " purpose 

peated acts of injustice, deposed him from office ^^^^^ \l 
and sent him to England for trial ; but Charles re- and what 
fused an audience to his accusers, and sent him result? 
back to Virginia with a new commission as gov- 
ernor. In 1639, however, he was suspended by the ^^^^ 
appointment of Sir Francis Wyatt, who, at the ex- ed^i 
piration of two years, was succeeded by Sir Wil-'^^' 
liam Berkeley. Immediately after his arrival, he 
convened the colonial assembly. Rehffion was pro- f^e . ad- 

J ■ <^ r rninistra- 

moted, the law of land titles adjusted, and peace Berke^^ 
with the Indians confirmed. ^^' 

30. Nearly up to this time the Puritans had en- 
joyed religious liberty in Virginia, and had been 
invited to emigrate and settle in the country. But 
in 1643 they bega^ to harbor the same bitter feel- 
ings toward other religious sects whicli had long 
existed among the Puritans in New England. A 
law w^as accordingly passed forbidding any minister ^^^^^ 
to teach or preach, except in conformity to the Epis- fa^^vi" 
copal church, and non-conformists were banished ml?'^^" 
from the colony. 

31. In 1644 the Powhattan tribes again fell upon 
the settlement, and before they Avere driven back 



96 VIRGINIA. Part I. 

1646 three liundred persons were killed. A war uj3on 
~^ them was commenced ; Opechancanough, their 
said'^df aged chief, was made prisoner, and died in misera- 
powh??'' ^^^ captivity of wounds inflicted hy a brutal soldier. 
in'iSo^ A border-warfare continued until in 1646 the Indi- 
ans were reduced to submission. 
vhat is 32. In England a party had been a long time 
wlr'^'iri' foi'ii^iiig in opposition to the royal government. 
England? Qjyji ^^r^r at length commenced, the throne was 
overturned and Charles I. beheaded. Cromwell, 
under the title of protector, swayed the sceptre 
of the commonwealth. During the nine years of 
was the the protectorship, but Httle attention was paid to 

condition i i ^ i 

of Vir- 
ginia 



Virginia. Her governors were chosen by herself, 
thecom and in all but a name she was an independent gov- 
weaith? ernment. Firm in her loyalty to the king, she was 
the last to acknowledge the authority of Cromwell, 
and only did so when a fleet, sent out by parliament 
to reduce her to submission, appeared off the coast. 
33. Their governor, Berkeley, retired to private 
life, where he remained until jitst before the Resto- 
ration, when he was again elected governor, and 
was the first to proclaim Charles II. as their lawful 



What is 
said of 
the 

hopes of 
the colo- 
ny on the 
Restora- 
tion ? 

How 

thesis favors on them ; but in this they were disap 

appoint- '■ 

ed? 



Great was the rejoicing throughout the colo- 
ny, on the restoration of monarchy in England. 
They had hoped that the king, out of gratitude 
for their adherence to his cause, would heap 



pointed, for with characteristic ingratitude, he neg- 
To""" lected their interests and imposed additional restric- 
theirter- ^^^^^ upou their commcice. He also granted to 
gSd? Lord Culpepper and Earl Arlington, two royal favor- 



1673. 



CUap. II. RESTORATION OF MONARCHY. 



&r 



their 
vearir 
in arms? 



ites, the whole territory of Yirginia, for the space leis 
of thirty-one years. 

34. Outraged and indignant at the repeated in- Sfthe 
juries which they had received from the hands of oT'thl^ 

** 1 • 1 1 colonists 

those of w^hom they had a right to expect only [^^^Pfj^J^g 
kindness, they soon began to manifest their feelings "^""es? 
in murmurs of discontent, when gathered together 
in the gloom of the forest to talk of their hard- 
ships. Conscious of their wrongs, half conscious 
of the rightful remedy, nothing was w^anting but J™^^^^, 
an excuse for appearing in arms. fer°eVfor 

35. This soon offered itself; for the Seneca In- learlng"^ 
dians had driven the Susquehannahs from the head 
of the Chesapeake, and Maryland w^as involved in 
war with the latter tribe and their confederates. 
Murders had been committed on the soil of Vir- 
ginia, and when six of the hostile chieftains pre- 
sented themselves to treat for a reconcihation, in the 
blind fury of the moment they Av^ere slain. A bor- 
der-warfare now commenced, in which the Indians 
laid waste the plantations and butchered the in- 
habitants with savage cruelty. 

36. The avaricious Berkeley, fearing to com- 
mence direct hostilities against the Indians, lest it^ 
should interfere Avith his lucrative beaver trade, 
winked at their atrocities and delayed taking 
measures to protect the frontier. The people chose 



What is 
Raid of 



Nathaniel Bacon for their leader, and demanded poim- 

ment of 

of the governor leave to rise and protect them- £^fe"^^ 
selves. |J£ 

37. Berkeley, jealous of Bacon's popularity, re-duft'^of 
fused his consent; but his authority now was but^^y' 
little revered. In i short time five hundred men 
5 



98 VIRGINIA. Parti. 

1616 were under arms, and Bacon, with common voice, 
proclaimed leader of their enterprise. Hardly had 
Bacon oommenced his march against the Indians, 
before Berkeley proclaimed him and all his follow- 
ers rebels, and sent out troops to pursue them ; but 
the troops were compelled to return to check a new 
insurrection, and he continued his expedition. 



the ciis- ^8- The great mass of the people were now 



What of 
the tiis- 
solution 



ot the old thoroughly excited, and demanded the dissolution 
biy? of the old assembly. Berkeley, finding it impossi- 
ble to stem the current of popular opinion, was 
compelled to yield. The old assembly, rendered 
odious by its tyranny, was dissolved, a new assem- 
bly w^as elected, and among the representatives was 
Bacon, who had just returned in triumph from his 
Indian warfare. 
JKon^ 39. Bacon was appointed commander-in-chief; 
Berkeley but Berkeley refused to sign his commission until, 
re"urnof sliortlv after, he entered Jamestown at the head of 

Bacon? J i 

five hundred men, when the governor, at the urgent 
solicitation of the council, yielded, and issued the 
commission. Bacon and his troops then commenced 
their march against the Indians. 

No sooner had they gone, than the proud and 
vacillating governor repaired to Gloucester county, 
the most loyal in Virginia, summoned a convention 
of the inhabitants, and against their advice pro- 
claimed him a traitor. 
What 40. Bacon, enraged at this conduct, returned 

■were the 7 o ; 

thrc1v*if with his forces to Jamestown. The governor and 
fofiovved? council fled, and he at once found himself possess- 
ed of supreme power. He immediately called 
together an assembly, who bound themselves to 



dial)* ri« n.ii.K.KJiy o i.\, r^ ID n. ju ±j 1- ^ Ji-% ' "«l 

support his authority. A civil war ensued, which lete 
for a long time raged, with all its peculiar horrors, 
in Yirginia. Jamestown was burned, and the 
country laid waste. At length Bacon died of a 
fever, and his followers, without a leader, were com- 
pelled to yield. 

41. Berkeley, with all the meanness and malig- 
nity of a tyrant and a coward, now that his ene- ^^^^^°^ 
mies were in his power, determined to take fearful Befke°^ 
vengeance. The property of many was confisca- 
ted, and twenty-two executed. 'His revenge would 

not have stayed even here, had not his council 
urged him to stop the work of blood. 

42. His conduct was strongly condemned in 
Ensrland. The kind-hearted Charles II. with 
truth said, "The old fool has taken away more 
lives in that naked country, than I for the murder 

When 

of my father." Berkeley went to England, and was the 
soon died, leaving his name to general execration. ^^ntV 
In 1684, the grant which was made to Arhngton ''°'^'^' 
and Culpepper was recalled, and Virginia again 
became a royal province. 

From this time the colony ffraduallv advanced what is 
in population and prosperity ; but until the break- ^^°. ^e- 

* I 1 r J 7 maining 

ing out of the French and Indian war, but few Jf y^- 
incidents of historical interest occurred within her ^'"'^' 
territory. 



100 MASSACHUSETTS. Parti. 

1620 

CHAPTER III. 

MASSACHUSETTS. 

1. Mention has already been made of the 
What is earlier discoveries of Massachusetts, and the form- 
theci?ss(,- ation of the Plymouth Company. This company 
niou^h ^^'^^ unsuccessful in forming a colony here, and in 
^yT""" 1620 they were superseded by the Council of Ply- 
mouth, to whom was granted all the territory 
between the 40th and 48th degree of north lati- 
tude, extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific. 
What is 2. The first settlers of Massachusetts were a 
setti^f band of Puritans, who, exposed to a fierce persecu- 
sachu" tion in their native land, on account of certain reli- 

setts? 

gious views, and of refusing to comply with the 
tyrannical exactions of a bigoted king and corrupt 
government, chose rather a home in the wilder- 
ness, where they could at least worship God accord- 
ing to the dictates of their own consciences, than to 
give up principles which they believed were found- 
ed on the " word of God." 

3. Their eyes were first turned toward Holland, 

but when they attempted to embark many of them 

Dpscribe \yQiQ scizcd aud throwu in prison, by order of a 

EngiatKi king who could not endure that his prey should 

removal" thus easily escape from his hands. At length, in 

land. 1608, they arrived in Amsterdam, and from thence 

proceeded to Leyden, where they formed a distinct 

society, under the care of their pastor, Rev. John 

Robinson. 



Cliap. III. PILGRIMS LEAVE HOLLAND. 101 

4. By thieir piety and exemplary deportment, they i620 
acquired the respect and love of the magistrates 

and citizens, and but for tlie fear of offending King 
James, tliey would have met with public favor. 
After having resided eleven years in Leyden, they 
determined to remove. The language and manners 
of the Dutch were disagreeable to them ; they were Slced « 
sufferinar from poverty; and their children, sharing leave 

,, IT 1 1 , ., Holland? 

their parents' burdens, bowed under the weight, 
and became decrepid in early youth. Conscious 
of their abilities to act a higher part in the great 
drama of humanity, they determined to emigrate to 
the New World. 

5. Mr. John Carver was accordingly sent to Eng- 
land to apply to the London Company or a grant 

of land in America, and to petition the king for [J-jffroJ^ 
liberty of rehgion, to be conferred under his broad Iionc^m- 
seal. The grant was obtained, but the most thev what'"' 
could derive from the king was an informal prom- •""=• 
ise of neglect. Having obtained two small vessels, 
the Speedwell, of sixty tons, and the Mayflower, j^ ^,.jjat 
of one hundred and eighty tons, Brewster, with as dkuhey 
many as could find room, prepared to embark. ^'^ 
Robinson, with a large part of the congregation, 
remained behind. 

6. The parting scene was very affecting. They 
all knelt upon the ground and mingled their voices 
together in prayer, then arose, and with the tears the' 



Describe 

lart- 

, iiif? scene 

streaming down their cheeks, waved to each other t'^tj}''^ 



an adieu, w^hich they could not speak. They im- 
mediately proceeded to Southampton, in England, 
and after tar-rying there for a fortnight, set sail for 
America. They had proceeded but a short dis- 



voyage. 



102 MASSACHUSETTS. 



Part I. 



16 20 tance on their voyage, when the Speedwell, owing 
to the weakness of the vessel, was obliged to re- 
turn, leaving the Mayflower to continue its course 
alone. 

7. Look for a moment upon that little vessel, 
careering upon the rough waves of the ocean, and 
tossing like a feather on its tempestuous bosom ; 
behold a germ which shall yet grow to a mighty 
tree — a spark, which, at some future day, will kin- 
dle a beacon on Bunker Hill, that will' shine a 
pillar of fire to the world. Witness the ffuidinff 

What is *^ 00 

saidofan powcr of au overruliuff Providence for those self- 

overrul- r O 

idln^eT denying men, and others who preceded and fol- 
lowed them to different colonies, forging, uncon- 
sciously perhaps, the first link of that great chain 
civil and religious freedom, which is yet to sur- 
round the earth. 

Where 8. They expected to land near the Hudson, but 

ditl they -^ ^ i-/. -i^ 

first dis- were carried so far north that their first 'sisrht of 

cover ~ 

land? lo^Yi^ was the bleak shore of Cape Cod. They now 
^vhat drew up a civil compact, signed by the whole body 
d?d"Xy of men, forty-one in number, in which they bound 
^^^^t themselves to be obedient to all the ordinances 

othcers 

thoose^ made by the body. John Carver was appointed 
landing? govemoi', aud Miles Standish captain. 

9. They sailed along" the inner coast of the bay, 

What did -^ ^ 1 

|hey|ri«id landing at different times to explore the country. 

fefen^'^'^' At ouc placc they found a number of Indian graves, 

and a quantity of Indian corn buried in the ground. 

What is The weather was so intensely cold that the water 

said of , ' .^ 

weather? ^'026 upou their clothcs aiid made them like coats 
of ice. On the third morning, they -found them- 
selves at the entrance of Plymouth harbor. Here 



Chap. III. FIRST WINTER IN AMERICA. 103 

they determined to land and make their settle- 1020 
ment. 

10. The next day was the Sabbath. They rest- S"^ ^'^ 
ed and kept it holy ; and there, for the first time, the"sab- 
on those ice-bound snores, were heard the voice 
of prayer and the song of praise, ascending to J^'Jen 
heaven. On the following day, the 21st of De- S^'they 
cember, they landed on Plymouth rock, naming it 

tlement ? 



com- 
mence 



from the last place they left in England. A dreary t^^^ir set 



prospect was before them ; on one side lay a vast 
wilderness covered with a snowy mantle, on the wi^^fhe 
other, rolled the broad Atlantic, separatinc^ them h^flre^^ 

. . . . them? 

from their kindred and their native land ; yet their 
trust in God remained unshaken, for the}^ knew J"j"t5°™ 
that the same mighty power which watched over ^'■"'^■ 
them on the stormy deep could still protect them. 

11. The freezing weather to which they had 
been exposed sowed the seeds of consumption and 
inflammatory colds, and the bitterness of mortal 
disease was their welcome to these inhospitable ^^.j^_^^^^ . 
shores. Their buildings went up slowly, for it was thejr "If. 
a difficult matter to erect them when one-half of dimifg 

. . the first 

their number was wastmg away w^Uh con sump- winter? 
tion and fever. Week after week, during the whole 
of that dreary winter, they carried out one after an- 
other of their friends to their long homes ; and ere 
spring again smiled upon the earth, more than one- 
half their number, including the governor and his 
wife, lay buried on the shore. 

12. Until they could cultivate their ground and 
gather in their crops, they suffered much from want 
of food. At one time, they were reduced to a pint 
of corn, which, being divided, gave only five ker- 



104 MASSACHUSETTS. Parti. 

1620 nel's to each individual. The living were hardly 
How able to take care of the sick and bury the dead. 
Eaf- Yet, during all this season of suffering, the cheer- 

flictions /• 1 •! • • 1 • c 

borne by f^ii confidence of the pilgrniis in the mercies of 

the set- i ^ 

tiers? Providence remained unshaken. After their first 
desolating sickness, and the gathering in of their 
crops, prosperity seemed to attend them. 

13. And here we cannot refrain from pausing to 
What draw a contrast between the pilgrims and the set- 
d^"^vl' tiers of Virginia. The latter were made up of a 

draw be- ~ "- 

Set- class of wild adventurers, destitute of piety and 
&a^ thirsting for gold. The former came, that they 
and vk-^ might worship God in peace ; and on first pressing 
the soil of the New World, their knees were bent 
in humble supplication and thanksgiving to their 
Maker. The foundations of their settlement were 
laid in prayer, and after their first severe trials had 
passed away, tlie smiles of that Being in whom 
they had trusted attended them. The latter, rent 
by internal dissensions, and their number constant- 
ly thinned by famine and the knife of the Indian, 
planted their colony in suffering and blood. 

14. When the pilgrims landed there were traces 
of a previous population, but no living inhabitants. 
A fearful disease had, a short time before, swept 
them all away or driven them farther back into the 
wilderness. Indians from abroad were occasionally 
discovered hovering around the settlement, but dis- 
appearing when pursued. 

Give an 1^- ^t length, after several months, Samaset, an 
or?hf Indian who had learned a httle English of the fish- 
dian visit ermen at Penobscot, boldly enteied the town, ex- 

to the ' "^ 

^;\i^i claiming — " Welcome, Enghshmen." W iih the aid 



How 

was the 
hostility 



Chap. III. MASSACHUSETTS BAY COLONY. IW 

of this Indian they entered into a treaty of peace 1021 
with Massasoit, the great Sachem of the Wampe- whai 
noaa^s, in which they promised to abstain from mu- S^ 
tuai mjuries, and to aid each other .when attacked ^j'lJ,^. 
unjustly. This treaty remained unbroken for more "^''• 
than half a century. 

16. Canonicus, the chief of the Narragansetts, 1622. 
dishking this intimacy between the EngHsh and 
Massasoit, sent to Plymouth a bunch of arrows 
wrapped in a rattlesnake's skin, as a token of his 
hostility. The governor, after having filled the 
skin with powder and ball, returned it ; the cour- 
age of the Indian quailed, and he desired to be at i.fc'l.s 
peace with a race whose weapons of war were so '" 
terrible. 

17. In 1628 a settlement was made at Salem by 

a company under the charge of John Endicott. In }^'hat js 
the following spring he was joined by Mr. White, a 
non-conformist minister of Devonshire, and about 
one hundred emigrants. Through the influence coiony'7 
oT Lord Dorchester and the Earl of Warwick thev 

•^ 1629. 

obtained a charter from Charles L, and were con- 
stituted a body politic imder the name of the "Gov- 
ernor and Company of the Massachusetts Bay 
Colony." 

18. The new colonists immediately began the what 
formation of their church. They elected a pastor, Stepl 
teacher, and elder ; disencumbered their public wor- 
ship of superfluous ceremony, and reduced it to the 
lowest standard of Calvinistic simplicity. Forget- 
ting, in their religious zeal, that others had a right Z!ToP 
to the enjoyment of the same Christian liberty as Ss 
themselves, those who refused to worship accord in 



said of 
the for- 
mation of 
th,- Mas- 
sarhu- 



the rolo- 
nists ? 



their reli 



106 MASSACHUSETTS. 



Part I. 



1631 to the ritual of their church were expelled from the 
colony. 

19. In the mean time, men of greater opulence 
the'c^ov^ and higher ranji, weary of the religious persecution 

ernment 



oPthe" which harassed theni in England, determined to join 

trans- 
ferred 
America? 



^^ the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Through their influ- 
ence, the government of the colony was transferred 
Who from the company to America, and vested in mem- 
polnted hers who should reside in the country. John Wm~ 
nor? throp was appointed governor, and Thomas Dudly 
Howma- ^cputy govcmor. In tlie course of the following 
oler^'r^e y^^-i'; fifteen huudrcd persons sailed for Massacliu- 
y'^ea^S sctts ; but many of them, dissatisfied with Salem, 
Stie?^^ settled at Boston, Charlestown, Roxbury, Dorches- 
ter, &c. 
What 20. In 1631 a law was passed at Charlestown 
paTsed?n provldiug for the election of the officers of govern- 
ment by freemen alone, but recognizing none as 
1634. freemen excepting church members. In 1634 the 
settlements had become so scattered that it was 
^^j^gj^ found extremely inconvenient for all the freemeh 
m^ced to assemble and transact the necessary public busi- 
sentative uess. The autliorlty granted by the charter to 

form of 1111 /•/' Till 

ment"' ^""^ wholc body of freemen, was accordmgly dele- 
gated to twenty-four representatives. 

21. Notwithstanding the Puritans had suffered 
so much for opinion's sake, yet the same religious 
whatjs intolerance prevailed among them as in the land 
£n3°and they had left. Roger Williams, a minister who had 
come over from England to escape persecution, 
boldly maintained that toleration ought to be grant- 
ed to all sects ; that oaths of allegiance to the king 
and magistrates were wrong ; and that the colonial 



persecu- 
tion of 
Rocer 
Wil- 
liams 1 



Cliap. Ill- 



MRS. HUTCHINSON. WT 



charter was founded in injustice. For maintain- i634: 
ing these doctrines, he was tried and banished from ^ 
the colony. He shortly settled at Providence, and 
became the founder of Rhode Island. 

IDCSD. 

22. During the following year three thousand 
new emigrants arrived; among the number were 
Henry Vane and Hugh Peters. Vane w-as a young """^aTe 
man from one of the first families in England, and ensuing 

^ '' year, and 

possessed of brilliant talents and great piety ; affa- ^;'^;^^j. 
ble and winning in his manners and conversation, "moi^^" 
he so gained the affection of tlie colonists, that in berT 
1636 he was appointed ofovernor. But his popu- 

t^i p _ r r -What 13 

larity was of short duration ; for during his admin- ^?^Jgf 
istration a religious controversy arose, which ended 
in destroying his influence in a great measure in 
the colony. 

23. Mrs. Hutchinson, a woman of considerable 
talent and eloquence, advanced certain doctrines what is 
which were considered by many as mystical and Mrs. 

•^ '' •' Hutchin- 

fuU of heresy. She opposed every form of despot- o°'\er'^ 
ism over the mind, and declared that the clergy of *=°"^^'*-^' 
Massachusetts were the ushers of persecution, who 
had not imbibed the true doctrine of Christian reform. 

24. Her opinions spread rapidly among the peo- 
ple, and were embraced by Governor Vane, Mr. 
Cotton and Mr. Wheelwright, two distinguished 
clergymen, and many other influential men. The ^^^e 
majority of the people deemed her doctrines erro- fhetitter 
neous, and she, with many of her followers, was ir^^ainst" 
banished from the colony. Vane, disgusted at the 
bitter feehng which was manifested toward himself 

and the sect to which he belonsred, in the foUowino^ 
year returned to England. 



108- MASSACHUSETTS. Parti. 

163 8 2^- T^^ persecutions of Charles 1. induced many 
to emigrate to New England, that they might enjoy 



,i„,.ed the civil and religious liberty which was denied 



What in 

!.V to 



Arne 



them at home. Sir Arthur Haselrig and Ohver 

Cromwell had embarked, but were prevented leav- 
Howwas jng the country on account of a proclamation issued 
ve^i'led'^" by the king, prohibiting all emigration without 
Sng? previous license. Thus the monarch kept at home 

the very persons who afterward led the way to his 

dethronement and death. 

26. The attention of the colonists was early 

turned to the subject of education, and in 1636 the 
sIKf' general court of Massachusetts appropriated about 
founding one tliousand dollars for the founding of a college, 
vard Col- which was accordino^ly established within the hmits 

lege? _ ^ "^ 

of Newtown. In 1638 John Harvard bequeathed 
to the institution about three thousand dollars. In 
honor of the donor, it received the name of Har- 
vard College. 
What 27. In 1643 Massachusetts, Plymouth, Connecti- 

unioi) ot I J I 

toik"*^' cut and New Haven formed themselves into a con- 
fer ind federacy, called the "United Colonies of New Eng- 
p°urpose; land." Rhode Island, not willing to comply with 
the terms, was refused admission. This confede- 
racy, formed for mutual defense against the Indi- 
ans, French and Dutch, existed for more than forty 
years, and greatly strengthened the several settle- 
ments which were parties to it. 
What 28. The affairs of the confederacy were intrusted 

reguia- to commissiouers, consistinor of two from each coi- 
tions ot ^ ■ o 

federaTy? ^uy. Church-memljcrship was the only qualifica- 
tion required for the office. The commissioners 



Chap. III. UNION OF COLONIES. 109 

were to assemble annually to transact the public lese 
business of the colony. 

29. The contest in which the unfortunate Charles 
became engaged, and the revolution thit followed, 

left the colonists, for the space of twenty years, ^hat is 

nearly unmolested in the enioyment of virtual in- ?he p^s- 

•' -111 p^"^ °^ 

dependence. Plenty prevailed throughout the set- [Jj^^g'^^'^' 

tlements. The wigwams and hovels, in which the 

English had first found shelter, were replaced by 

well-built houses. The number of emigrants, who 

had arrived in New England before the assembling 

of the Long Parliament, is esteemed to have been 

twenty-one thousand, two hundred. In a little 

more than ten years, fifty towns and villages had 

been planted ; between thirty and forty churches 

built; and strangers, as they gazed, could but 

acknowledge God's blessing on the endeavors of the 

planters. 

30. In 1656 several Quakers arrived in the colo- ^^hat is 
ny, whose conduct gave great offence to the rigid tiTeQul- 
Puritans. A law was passed banishing them from 

the colony, and imposing the sentence of death 
upon those who should return. Several were exe- 
cuted before this unjust and cruel law was repealed. 

31. In 1660 Charles II. ascended the throne, and 

was reluctantly acknowledged by the colonies in thecoio- 
New England. They apprehended, with good rea- p'^^'/j^;"' 
son, the loss of their civil and religious privileges. 
The regicides who had condemned Charles I. to 
death were sentenced to die, and all fell upon the 
scaffold excepting three, wlio escaped to America. 
Their names were Edward Whalley, William Goffe 
and John Dixwell. Whalley and GoiTe arrived in 



ascen- 
sion of 
Cha:lt3 



110 MASSACHUSETTS. 



Pari 1. 



1661 Boston, where Endicott, the governor, received them 
What is wi<^h courtesy. For nearly a year they resided, 
th'e regi- uninolcsted, within the hmits of Massachusetts ; 
judses? but when "Warrants arrived from England for their 
1661 apprehension, they fled across the country to New 
Haven, where it was considered a crime against 
God to betray the wanderer or give up the outcast. 
Yet such diligent search was made for them, that 
they were never in security. For a time they re- 
moved in secrecy from house to house ; sometimes 
concealed themselves in a mill, sometimes in clefts 
of rocks by the sea-side, and for weeks together 
they dwelt in a cave near New Haven, which is 
still called the "Regicides' Cave." Great rewards 
were offered for their apprehension. Indians, as 
well as English, were urged to scour the woods in 
search of their hiding-place, as men hunt for the 
holes of foxes. 

32. When the zeal of the search was nearly 
over, they retired to a little village on the Sound. 
Se"^"' till at last they escaped by night to an appointed 
"^^ place in Hadley ; and the solitude of the most 
beautiful valley of New England gave shelter to 
their wearisome and declining age. At New Haven 
two graves are now shown, said to be those of the 
two judges. Their bodies were probably removed 
to this place from Hadley. 

John Dixwell was more fortunate. Changing 
his name, he became absorbed among the inhabit- 
ants of New Haven, and lived undiscovered. 

How did . ' 

worlf"*^- ^^- ^"^ growmg and prosperous condition of the 
prosperi- colonies soon excited the avarice and jealousy of 
wiCnipsI tlie government at home; and they were not long 



Chap. 111. TIIK ROYAL COMMISSIONERS. Ill 

ill renewing those commercial restrictions, from ^ 63 ^ 
which they had been exempt during the time of 
the commonwealth. 

34. The importation of European commodities ^vh.a ty- 
into the colonies, except in Ens^lish ships from Eng- l'"S- 

^ ^ o 1 _ ^ tioiis did 

land, was prohibited ; the harbors were shut against i^^y^^ 
the Dutch and every foreign vessel, and the colo- 
nists w^ere even forbidden to manufacture those 
articles for their own wants, which might in any 
manner compete with the English. Thus were 
the commercial liberties of the rising States shack- 
led and the principles of natural justice subjected 
to the fears and avarice of the English people. 

35. In 1664 a fleet, equipped for the reduction jgg^ 
of the Dutch settlements on the Hudson, arrived 

at Boston, bearing three commissioners charged to sJK/^ 
investigate the manner in which the provisions of vi.i 'of 

o r' the ro>aI 

the charters of New England had been exercised ; If^^f.l^^ 
with full authority to provide for the peace of the 
country, according to the royal instructions and 
their own discretion. 

36. The colonists, viewing the appointment of 
the commissioners as uncalled for, and a violation 
of their charter, paid but little attention to their 
acts. Massachusetts, from the first, descried the 
approach of tyranny ; and, professing sincere loy- 
alty, refused to acknowledge their authority, and 
protested against the exercise of it within their 
limits. In Connecticut and Rhode Island they re- 
ceived more favor ; but in Plymouth they were met 
with bold, decided opposition. Finding it impossi- 
ble to accomplish any thing, they were in a short ' 
time recalled. 



Who was 
the suc- 
cessor of 



112 MASSACHUSETTS. ^ Parti. 

167 5 37. King Philip's War. Up to the breaking 
~~" out of King Philip's war, the New England colo- 
^vhat i^i^s continued to enjoy peace and prosperity. Their 
stlte^Sf population increased, and their settlements extend- 
nies pre- ed far iiito the country ; but the clearness of their 

vious to •' ' 

breaking ^ky was to be overcast by the clouds of war, and 
outofthe ^^ quiet of their homes broken by the war-cry of 

the Indian and the dying shrieks of their wounded 

wives and children. 

38. In 1662 the aged Massasoit slept with his 
fathers, and his son Philip, of Pokanoket, succeed- 
ed him as chief over the allied tribes. During his 

soitT" father's life, the treaty which had been made with 
the English shortly after their arrival remained 
unbroken ; but after his death, the feelings of the 
Indians were changed to hatred toward a race who 
were dispossessing them of their rich territory, and 
turning their beautiful hunting-grounds into pas- 
tures. Shortly after, an Indian missionary was 
found murdered. Three Indians were identified, 
seized, tried by a jury, of which one-half were In- 
dians, and, on conviction, were hanged. The 
young men of the tribe panted for revenge, and 
urged Philip to'commence a war against the whites. 
Yielding at length to their entreaties, he sent the 
women and children to the Narragansetts for pro- 
tection, and in July, 1675, attacked the Enghsh at 
Swanzey, killing a number of men. 

39. Phihp was thus hurried into hostilities, and 
SigS'^ he is reported to have wept as he heard that a 

white man's blood had been shed. Against his 
judgment and his will, he was involved in war. 
He had no prospect of yuctcss. Destiny had 



causes 
led to 
this war? 



WhHt 



of Philip 
on the 
com- 
mence-' 
ment of 
hostili- 
ties? 



ciiap. III. KING Philip's war. 113 

marked him and his tribe. The Enghsh were igi5 
united ; the Indians had no aUiance. The Eng- 
hsh had sure suppUes of food ; the Indians might 
easily lose their precarious stores. The individual 
growing giddy by danger, rushes as it were toward 
his fate. So did the Indians of New England. 
Frenzy prompted their rising. It was but the 
storm in which the ancient inhabitants of the land 
were to pass away. They rose without hope, and, 
therefore, fought without mercy. For them, as a 
nation, there was no to-morrow. 

40. At the very beginning of danger, the colo- what 
nists exerted their wonted energy. Volunteers irom '^e cdo- 
Massachusetts joined the troops from Plymouth, ai'^^.^^t' 
and within a week from the commencement of wefetho 
hostilities, the insulated Pokanokets were driven atucked? 
from Mount Hope. 

41. During the same month they were attacked 
in a swamp at Pocasset, now Tiverton, but repulsed 
their enemy with considerable slaughter. Soon 

What ig 

after, they lied westward and united with the Nip- ^i^^ ^f 

'J r the union 

mucks, a tribe in the central part of Massachusetts, "ribe?^ 
which Philip had induced to join him in his war p'osecu- 
agamst the whites. Philip possessed a strong in- the war? 
fluence over most of the New England tribes; and 
now, banished from his patrimony, where the pil- 
grims found a friend, and from his cabin, which 
had sheltered the exiles, he, together with his war- 
riors, spread through the country, awakening their 
brethren to^^ warfare of extermination. In a short 
time a large number had joined his forces, and • 
now commenced a war which, for cruelty and suf- 
fering, is unparalelled in colonial history. 



114 MASSACHUSETTS. Parti. 

16T5 4.2. The Indians, fleet of foot, and conversant 
What of with all the paths of the forest, never met the Eng- 



their 
manner 
of war 



hsh in open field, but hovered around their paths 
fare"and and sliot them down from places of concealment. 

their cru- * 

cities? Exploring parties were waylaid and cut off, and 
the mangled carcasses and disjointed limbs of the 
dead were hung upon the trees, to terrify pursuers. 
The laborer in the field, the reapers as they went 
forth to the harvest, men as they w^ent to mill, were 
shot down by skulking foes, whose approach was 
invisible. 

43. The mother feared the tomahawk for herself 
and children, and was often compelled to fly with 
her child in her arms. Men carried their fire-arms 
into the field and to church, and when they return- 
ed to their homes, would frequently find their dwell- 
ings a heap of ruins. 

44. Brookfield was set on fire; Deerfield was 
Eel burned ; Hadley, surprised during a time of reli- 
^fjyed?' gious service, was saved only by the daring of 
did^Had Croflfe, the regicide, now bowed with years, a heav- 
\tl pres- ^^^y messenger, who darted frojn his hiding-place, 
ervation? j.^jjjg^ j^j^^ disheartened, and having achieved a 

safe defense, sunk away into his retirement, to be 
no more seen. 

45. On the 28th of the same montli, as a com- 
Describe pany of youug men, under the command of Capt. 
sacrrat Lathrop, were conveying" the harvests of Deerfield 

Bloody ^'. J & 

Creek, ^q ([^q lowcr towus, they were surrounded by a 
horde of Indians and nearly all destroyed. The 
little stream that winds through the tranquil scene 
is called " Bloody Creek," to commemorate the mas- 
sacre of that day. 



Chap. III. INDIAN MASSACRES. 115 

46. Philip, who had been prosecuting the war in igts 
the western part of Massachusetts, having accom- 
phshed all that could be done there, returned to ^^-,^^,^g 
Rhode Island, for the purpose of obtaining the aid ni'ii.'p'at 
of the Narraaransetts. In this scheme he succeed- obium, 

^ and 



edj and, with 3,000 Indians, fortified himself in the ^VjI]' 
centre of an immense swamp in the soutliern part 



he 
fom his 
eiicump- 

of Rhode Island. The island on which he had 
stationed himself, he surrounded with palisades, 
and here, with plenty of provisions, considered him- 
self safe from any enemy. 

47. The English determined to attack him, and 
accordingly raised fifteen hundred men from the SrcS -- 
colonies of Massachusetts, Plymouth and Connec- rai.sed to 

' *' oppose 

ticut, and sent them thither under the command ^^°^- 
of Josiah Winslow. On a stormy day in the month 
of December, after having spent a night in the 
open air, and waded a long distance through the 
snow, they arrived in front of the Indian camp. 

48. A body of water lay between the fort and 
the English, across which the trunk of a tree had 
fallen. Over this they endeavored to pass, but in 
making their way a large number was shot down. 
In the mean time, a small force having- detached 

^ Describe 

itself from the main body, passed around to the t^esiege. 
rear of the fort, and wading through the swamp, 
broke the feeble pahsades. and rushing in, set fire 
to the cabins, and were immediately masters of the 
place. In this bloody battle, which continued for 
three hours, one thousand Indian warriors were 
killed, and a large number taken prisoners. Of 
the whites, six captains and eighty men were killed, 
and one hundred and fifty wounded. 



116 MASSACHUSETTS. Parti. 

1616 49. Winter had just commenced, and Philip, 
in^'hat with the remnant of his forces, now without shel- 
were'thl tcr froui the cold, scattered themselves over the 
at" the' country, and burning with revenge, continued the 
mlnt%r war with energy and spirit. Many a New Eng- 
ler?^'""land village was clothed in mourning; many^ a 
whatdid town laid in ashes. Several detachments were sent 
out against him, under Capt. Church, of Plymouth, 
(^e're' and Capt. Dennison, of Connecticut, and during the 
alainst year, two or three thousand Indians were killed, or 
and with submitted. Philip refused to hear of peace, and 

what re- ^ , ' ' 

'*"'^- was chased from one hiding-place to another. 

50. At length, after the absence of a year, he re- 
Describe solved to meet his . destiny, and returned to the 
ti^esTat beautiful land where were the graves . of his fore- 
phiiip'8 fathers, the cradle of his infancy, and the nestlinff- 

return, ' -^ ' ^ 

manne? placc of his tribe. Once he escaped narrowly, 
deathf leaving his wife and only son as prisoners. "Now," 
said he, in an agony of grief, "my heart breaks; 
now I am ready to die." He was shortly after sur- 
rounded by a party under Capt. Church, and in 
attempting to fly was shot by a faithless Indian, 
who had deserted his chief and gone over to the 
English. 

5.1. His son, a prince cherished as the future 

sachem of the tribes, was sold into a bondage bit- 

whatbe- tjpr as death, and compelled to drag out his life as 

hts^son^ a slave, under the sun of Bermuda. So perished 

remnant the prluccs of thc Pokauolvcts. After the death 

of his tol- ' 

lowers? ^f Philip, the remnant of his followers either sub- 
mitted to the English or united with distant tribes. 
52. During the war more than six hundred 
houses were burned, and six hundred men perished 



Chap. III. ROYAL GOVERNOR. 117 

in the field. There was scarcely a family in the j^jg^j 
colony, from which death had not selected a victim. ^^,j^^^ -^ 
Although bmthened with a heavy debt, which had Imcuoi 
been contracted dining the war, they refused to 
apply to England for assistance. This omission what of 
excited surprise and jealousy. "You act," said a p'^""^'*- 
privy counselor, "as though you were independent 
of our master's crown, and though poor, yet you 
are proud." 

53. The people of Massachusetts, believing that 

the commercial restrictions which had been impo- fiT'ctfio'^ 
sed on them at different times, were unjust and a treat the 
violation of then* charter, paid but little attention ci'ij re- 
to them. This had given great offence to the ^'''"'• 
mother-country, and in 1680 Edward Randolph ^\-hat of 
was sent over as inspector of the customs of New Run 
England. He was strongly opposed by the colo- 
nists, and in a short time returned. This disobe- whatde- 

' siirn did" 

dience served as a pretext for the king to enter fom,lni 
upon a design which he had long- entertained of wal"it 

, . 1 , r 11 1 • carried 

taking away the charter irom the colony ; but m j^*",^^' 
1685 he died, leaving his scheme to be completed 
by his successor, James II. 

54. In 1686 the charter of Massachusetts was 
taken away, and Sir Edmund Andros appointed ^^^^' 
governor of all New England. One after another, what is 
the colonies reluctantly submitted to this tool of aja An^iios 

•^ ^ and his 

arbitrary king. His administration was full of acts trluonf 
of oppression, and so thoroughly was he hated by 
the colonists, that he was called the tyrant of New 
England. 

55. In 1689 intelligence reached Boston that 
James II. had been driven from his throne, and was 



d 

doliih? 



118 MASSACHUSETTS. Part I. 

1680 succeeded by William, of Orange. They immedi- 
Hisim. ately rushed to their arms, took possession of the 
menTand fort, sclzcd Andros and other obnoxious individu- 
Engiand? als, seut thcm to England for trial, and again re- 
sumed their old form of government. 
%Sihe ^^- King William's War. James, on being 
Kingwu- driv.eh fiom England, repaired to France. This 
wl?/ nation espousing his cause, a war ensued between 
the two powers, which in a short time extended to 

What in- ^ ' 

roads of the colonies in North America. In 1689 the French 
and"i and Indians fell upon the northern colonies, and 
shoniy the contest soon became ffeneral. During this 

followed ° * 

Since"™' y®^^* ^ajor Walden, with twenty persons, was slam 
the"waf? at Dover, in New Hampshire. 

57. In the ensuing year, the settlement at Casco, 
in Maine, was attacked ; Schenectady, in New 

pedition York, was burned, and its streets drenched with 

was sent 

against blood. Massachusctts deemed it necessary to re- 

the ene- J 

sort to retaliation, and fitted out an expedition 
under Sir William Phipps, which proceeded to Nova 
Scotia and captured Port Royal. The same year, 
Massachusetts and New York united their forces 
together for the purpose of subjugating Canada. 
They proceeded to Quebec and attempted to re- 
duce the place, but failed in their object and return- 
ed home. 

58. In 1692 a new charter was granted to Mas- 
sachusetts, which added Plymouth, Maine and 
Nova Scotia to her territory. Sir William Phipps 

lS"w4t ^^^ appointed governor; and one of his first acts, 
of^the"^ on coming into power, was to institute a court to 
Sihl"*^ try the victims accused of witchcraft at Salem. 

59. In England, the belief in witchcraft had be- 



what re 
suit? 



was a 



CKap. III. SALEM WITCHCRAFT. 



119 



come so prevalent, that parliament had passed an i69 3 
act pimishmg the crime with death. Under this^^hatis 
law numbers had been tried and executed in that wuch- 
countrv, and two or three in Massachusetts. England, 

•' ' and Us 

60. In Salem village, now Danvers, there had F^f^^ss 
been, between Samuel Parris, the minister, and a <=«i°"'««^ 
part of his people, a strife so bitter that it had even 
attracted the attention of the general court. The 
delusion of witchcraft would give opportunities of 
terrible vengeance. In February, 1692, his daugh- 
ter and niece began to have strange caprices. The 
physicians, who could make nothing of their con- 
tortions, pronounced them bewitched, in which 
opinion Mr. Parris concurred. An old Indian 
woman was whipped until she confessed herself a 
witch. Several private fasts were kept in the fam- 
ily, and a general fast throughout the colony. 

61. The delusion spread rapidly ; parents ac- 
cused their children, and children their parents, 
and a word from those supposed to be afflicted, oc- 
casioned the arrest of the devoted victim ; so that 
the prisons were soon filled. 

62. At first, the victims were confined to the 
lower class ; but, emboldened by success, many of 
those moving in the higher circles were accused 
and convicted. Among the rest was a magistrate 
of great talent, and George Burroughs, a minister 
of unexceptionable character ; both were tried and 
executed. 

63. At length the eyes of community began to ho^,,,^^ 
be opened ; each felt alarm for himself, his family lerml-''"^ 
and friends, and they examined more closely 

into the nature of the evidence which was ad- 



What 
events 
followed 
the com- 
mence- 
ment of 



120 MASSACHUSETTS. Part I. 

i^Q^ diiced. The current of popular opinion began to 
turn, and in a short time the governor reprieved 
those who werS condemned, and directed that all 
who were in prison should be set at liberty. Du- 
ring the delusion twenty persons had been exe- 
cuted, fifty-five tortured, and several hundreds im- 
prisoned. 

When The hostilities between the French and Indians 

was 

cfared'^^" ^nd thc English continued until 1697, when peace 
E^igiand w^as dccl'ared between England and France. 

and ** 

Fiance? 64, Q,UEEN Anne's War. In 1701 England 
became embroiled in a war w4th France and Spain. 
Hostihties immediately commenced in the colonies. 
Deerfield was attacked, forty persons killed, and 

Anne"s ^^^v^ thau ouc hundred made prisoners. Scenes 

'^^'' of cruelty and blood, like those we have just re- 
counted, were renewed in different parts of the col- 
onies. 

What 6^- ^^ 1710 New England, assisted by a fleet 

place in fumishcd by the mother-countr)^, took possession 
of Port Royal, in Nova Scotia, and changed its 

What in name to Annapolis. In 1711 Admiral Walker, 
with fifteen ships of war and forty transports, car- 
rying a large number of troops, sailed from Boston 
for the purpose of subjugating Canada. Sliortly 
after, their departure nine of the transports were 
wrecked in a terrible storm, and more than one 
thousand men perished. 

66. Weakened and disheartened by this misfor- 
tune, the admiral gave up the expedition and re- 
turned to England. In 1713 peace was concluded 

eluded? between France and England at Utrecht, and 
shortly after hostilities ceased with the Indians. 



17U? 



When 

and 

where 

was 

peace 

con 



Chap. III. KING George's war. 121 

For the space of thirty years from this time, till the 1^44 
commencement of King George's war in 1744, the 
settlements were mimolested by the Indians. 

67. During this time no event of importance oc- ^vhatis 
curred. Through the administration of three of l^heimg 
the royal governors, a bitter quarrel was carried on ^j|'<'^|» ^^ 
between them and the representatives of the peo- 
ple. The governor insisted upon being allowed a 
permanent salary ; this the representatives objected 

to, but they finally consented to vote a certain sum 
annually in the room of it. 

68. King George's War. In 1744 the friendly 1744.' 
relations which had for a time existed between 

What 

France and England, were broken by disputes rela- was the 
tive to Austria. War was declared between the Sge's 
two nations, and the French and English colonies '''''■ 
in North America joined in the contest. 

69. The first important place which was attacked 
during the war was Louisburg, a French post 
strongly fortified, situated on Cape Breton. The what 
commerce and fisheries of the colonies suffered srreat fipt 

'-' place at- 

injury from privateers fitted out from this port ; and **''^^'^- 
Governor Shirley of Massachusetts resolved on an ^ho 
enterprise for its reduction. The expedition was the^lan? 
resolved upon in the legislature by a majority of 
one vote. 

70. Solicited to render assistance. New York sent 

a small supply of artillery, and Pennsylvania of who 
provisions. New England furnished the men ; of «^£^4'^ 
whom Connecticut raised five hundred, New Hamp- 
shire three hundred and four, and Massachusetts 
three thousand volunteers. . 

71. In April, 1745, these forces, under the com- 

6 



122 MASSACHUSETTS. 



Parti. 



114:5 mand of William Pepperell and Roger Wolcott, set 

Who sail for Louisburg. Shortly after their arrival at 

m^ded Canseau, where they were detained a number of 

forces? days from the ice, they were fortunately joined by 

the squadron of Commodore Wariien. On the 11th 

of May, an hour after sunrise, the combined forces 

came in sight of Louisburg. Its walls, raised on a 

Describe neck of land on the south side of the harbor, forty 

Louis- _ . 

burg. f^Q^ thick at the base, twenty to thirty feet high, 
were furnished with one hundred and one cannon, 
seventy-six swivels, and six mortars ; its garrison 
was composed of sixteen hundred men. 

72. The day after the landing of the English, a 
detachment of four hundred men under William 
Vaughan marched by the city, and took post near 
the north-east corner. The French who held the 
royal battery, struck with panic, spiked the guns, 
and fled in the night. The English immediately 

delcrip; took possession of it, removed the spikes from the 
thesiege. guus, and tumed them upon the city. Batteries 
were erected at the west and south-west of the city, 
and the cannon dragged over the boggy morasses 
upon sledges, drawn by the men with straps over 
their shoulders. Another battery was erected near 
the north cape of the harbor, on the Light-house 
Cliff; while, within two hundred yards of the city, 
trenches had been thrown up near an advanced 
post, which, with the guns from the royal battery, 
played upon the north-west gate of Louisburg. 

73. The Vigilant, a French ship of sixty-four 
guns, laden with military stores, was captured by 
the fleet under Warren within sight of the city. 
On the 28th of June the governor sent out a flag 



Chap. IV. KING George's war. 123 

of truce, and surrendered the fortress and the whole i^^s 
island. This was the greatest success achieved by 
England during the war. France planned its re- SS 
covery and the desolation of the English colonies ; jj^i^^^ 
but in 1746, the large fleet from France, under the ft'^^rSv. 
command of the Duke d'Anville, wasted by storms, ^''^• 
and shipwrecks, and pestilential diseases, was com- 
pelled to return without having struck a blow. 

74. The war was finally closed in 1748, by the when 
treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, which restored all the If^f^f- 
territory acquired by eiflier party during the war to 
its former possessors. Thus, with the exception 
of the expenditure of a vast amount of wealth, and 
the loss of many valuable lives, the two countries 
remained the same as at the commencement of 
hostilities. 



CHAPTER IV. 

NEW HAMPSHIRE. 

1. The colonial history of New Hampshire is 1622. 
intimately blended with that of Massachusetts ; it 

•^ ' What is 

havmg been a, part of that colony until 1680, when thready 
it was made a royal province by the king. A brief New'^''^ 
sketch of its separate history, therefore, will only shI™? 
be necessary. 

When 

2. The first settlements were made in 1623 at and by 

whom 

Little Harbor and Dover, by a company of erai- ZlW^^ 
grants sent out by Capt. John Mason and Sir Fer- iSef ' 



124 NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Part I. 



1629 dinand Gorges, two influential members of the 
Plymouth council, from which they had just re- 
ceived large grants of land north of Massachu- 
setts. 
What IS 3. In 1629 Rev. John Wheelwright purchased 
the p°ur the country between the Merrimac and Piscataqua 

chase of" /.itt ti i 

w?hn nvers, of the Indians. In the same year, but at a 
later date, this territory, extending sixty miles back 
from the sea, was granted to Mason alone, and then 
first called New Hampshire. For several years 
each town remained distinct and independent ; but 
in 1641, fearing their own weakness, they placed 
themselves under the protection of Massachusetts. 
^^^^" 4. In 1675 Robert Mason, a grandson of John 

What is Mason, applied to the kino^ to obtain possession of 

said of , ' rr o ^.r • 

Robert^ the temtory granted to his ancestor. JNotice was 

given to Massachusetts, and the parties heard by 

the king, but no decision given to affect the land 

Sv^ °^ titles. In 1680 New Hampshire became a separate 

Sasa province, to be governed bv a president and council 

separate ^ . ' , , . " i , 

province? appointed by the king, and a house oi representa- 
tives chosen by the people. 
1680. 5. In 1680 the first assembly met at Portsmouth, 
and adopted a code of laws, which declared, " that 
no act, imposition, laAV or ordinance should be im- 
posed upon the inhabitants of the province, but 
such as should be made by the assembly and ap- 
proved by the president of the council." 

6. In the following year, Robert Mason arrived in 

the colony, and assuming the title of lord protector, 

J™of^ laid claim to all the lands granted to his grand- 

Sms?' father. The colonists refused to acknowledge these 

claims, and although Mason frequently prosecuted 



ciiaii. IV. mason's claims. t25 

them, yet he was never able to recover anything, lego 
so vevf unpopular had he become. 

7. In 1690 New Hampshire united with Massa- 
chusetts, but at the expiration of two years separated 
from her, and was formed into a royal province. 
They were again united in 1699, and continued 
under one governor, having separate legislative as- 
semblies, until 1741. 

8. The heirs of Mason, in 1691, weary with the 
contention to which their claims to lands in New sIKf^ 
Hampshire grave rise, sold them to Samuel Allen ; of Ma- 

'■'->' 1 son's 

but he was as unsuccessful in obtaining rents from '^'aims? 
them as his predecessor. In 1746 one of the 
descendants of Mason renewed the original claim, Snewii? 
and conveyed the territory granted to his ancestor of their 
to twelve persons for fifteen hundred pounds. These again? 
persons, in a short time, voluntarily relinquished 
their claim to lands already occupied. 

9. From this time, the vexed land disputes ceased, 

and the people settled down in the quie^ enjoy- ^^^^^^ j^ 
ment of their possessions. New Hampshire suflfer- gaS'of 
ed alike, with many of the other colonies, during Hamp- 

shire ? 

the bloody French and Indian wars ; but as we 
have already noticed them in another place, it will 
not be necessary to recapitulate here. 



126 CONNECTICUT. Part I, 

1630 

■ • 

CHAPTER V. 

CONNECTICUT. 

1. In 1630 the territory of Connecticut was 
granted by the Plymouth council to the Earl of 
Zictll^ Warwick, and transferred by him in 1631 to Lord 
Sant^of Say and Seal, Lord Brooke, John Hampden and 
ticut? others. The grant extended from the Atlantic 
westward to the Pacific ocean. The same year, 
What ^^^ Indians living in the valley of Connecticut, 
did'ufe wishing to cultivate a friendly feeling with the 
mSst? English, invited the Plymouth colony to make a 
settlement on their lands. Governor Winslow ac- 
cordingly visited the country and selected Windsor 
as the site of their future settlement. 
1633. 2. The Dutch at New York, when informed of 
^^^^ this project of the English, determined to secure 
steps did i\^Q territory for themselves, and sent out a party in 
teke'^to 1633, who erected a slight fort at Hartford, on which 
terri- they planted two cannon. A few months later, in 
the same year, a company at Plymouth sent out 
in a small vessel, commanded by Capt. Holmes, 
materials for the erection of a trading-house at 
Windsor. 

3. As Holmes was saihng leisurely up the river, 
What is past the fort at Hartford, he was hailed by the 
Hdmes Dutch with " heave to, or we'll fire." " Fire if you 
tTudm^- ^a^'^j" was the cool reply of Holmes, who was soon 
fedsor? out of reach of their guns, and safe at Windsor, 
where the trading-house was immediately erected. 



secure 

the 

tory 



Chap. V. ARRIAAL OF WINTHROP. 127 

In the following year, the Dutch sent a party of 1635 
seventy to drive them from the country ; but find- 
ing them strongly posted, they returned in peace. 

4. In the autumn of 1635, the younger Winthrop 
arrived from England, with a commission from the 
proprietors to erect a fort at the mouth of the Con- 
necticut river, and make the necessary prepara- 
tions for a settlement. Shortly after the fort ^^^^^f^ 
w^as erected, a party of Dutch arrived in vessels ereJdon 
from New York, but were not permitted to land, fort at 

* . Siiy- 

The settlement was called Say brook, in honor of brook. 
the owners of the territory. 

5. During the summer of 1635, settlements had 
been made by emigrants from the environs of Boston 
at Windsor and Weathersfield ; and late in the au- 
tumn, a company of sixty men, women and children, 
began their march to the w^est. The winter was so Describe 
early and severe, that provisions could not arrive by gration " 
the river, and the men suffered such privations that Jj^Jf/g^j^g 
many of them, in 'the depths of winter, waded 
through the snows to the sea-board. Early in the 
following spring. Rev. Thomas Hooker, with a com- 
pany of about one hundred, started from Cam- 
bridge, and proceeded through the wilderness until 
they arrived, after a journey of two weeks, at Hart- 
ford, where they formed a settlement. 

6. In the vicinity of the river Thames resided 

the Pequods, a fierce and warlike tribe, who had said of 

1 ' 'the Pe- 

frequently shown a hostile spirit toward the infant ^"o*^^- 
settlements. In 1636 they attacked and murdered jggg 
Mr. Oldham. An expedition was sent against them 
by Massachusetts, which was inefTectual, and only outrages 
served to excite their hatred and revenge. They whites? 



128 CONNECTICUT. Part I. 

163T now sought an alliance with the Nanagansetts and 
Of their the Mohegans, that, by a general rising, they might 
ed'alii'^ sweep the hated intruders from the ancient hunt- 
Nara-^^ mg-grounds of theu* race. The conspiracy was 
gansetts? (jiggQived by the interference of Roger Williams. 
Of the 7. In 1637 continued injmies and murders roused 
tion*^ ' Connecticut to action, and the oreneral court decreed 

against /• • 1 x^ T 1 

them? immediate war. A force of eighty English, prin- 
cipally from Connecticut, and seventy friendly Mo- 
hegans, w^as placed under the command of Captain 
John Mason, who, with this small force, sailed 
dow^n the river, and shortly after, entered Narra- 
gansett bay. Here they landed, and, guided by a 
Pfiquod deserter, proceeded across^ the country to- 
said^ oF w^ard the principal fort of their enemy, situated on 
dian fort? the wcst sidc of the Mystic river, where they ar- 
rived about sunrise on the morning of the 5th of 
June. 

8. As they approached the fort a watch-dog gave 
the alarm, but before the Indians could fairly arouse 

oftheat- themselves from their slumbers, Mason, followed by 
the re" his brave band, was in their midst, dealing his death- 
blows around. The Indians rallied and fought their 
enemy hand to hand; but their bows and arrows 
could poorly resist weapons of steel. 

9. At length, Mason finding that victory was 
tardy on account of their superior numbers, shouted, 
"We must burn them," and cast a firebrand to the 
windward among the light mats of the Indian 
cabins. The English had hardly time to with- 
draAV and surround the place, before the whole en- 
campment was in a blaze. If they attempted to 
escape from the burning inclosure, they w^ere 



Ckap. V. PEQ.UOD WAR. 129 

cut down by the English swords. The carnage i63t 
was complete. About six hundred Indians, men, 
women and children, perished, most of them in 
the conflagration. The work of destruction was 
finished in about an hour, with the loss of only 
two of the English soldiers. 

10. The remnant of the Pequod tribe were pur- 
sued into their hiding-places ; every wigwam was 
burned, and every corn-field laid waste. Their 
sachem was murdered by the Mohawks, to whom 

he had fled for protection ; and the few that sur- ^y^atbe- 
vived, about two hundred, were enslaved by the ["h^rem- 
Eiiglish, or incorporated among the Mohegans and the'pe" 
Narragansetts. There remained not one of the ^"^^e? 
Pequod name. A nation had disappeared from the 
family of men. From this time, the colonists en- 
joyed for many years a season of peace and pros- 
perity. 

11. In 1638 a colony sprung up at New Haven, less. 
under the guidance of the Rev. John Davenport 

What is 

and Theophilus Eaton, who had arrived at Boston ^^^ °^ 
the year before from Europe. Their first Sabbath ["oTof 
was spent in no temple reared by man, but under VeTcoio'. 
a branching oak, while Davenport taught his little 
flock that, like the Son of Man, they were led into f/,e"'^rst 
the wilderness to be tempted. fSlu^ 

12. On the following day, they rested their gov- 
ernment upon the simple declaration, that " all of 
them would be ordered by the rules which the Jlkfo}-^ 
Scriptui^s held forth to them ;" and when, on the ^^^"' 
succeeding year, some of the planters desired a 
more perfect form of government, they held their 
constituent assembly in a barn, and declared tliat 



govern 
nient ? 



130 CONNECTICUT. Part I. 

1638 ^^^^ Bible should be their only law book, and that 
church members only should be free burgesses. 

13. Meanwhile their pleasant villages spread 
What of along the sound, undisturbed by the natives, of 
prosperi- whom the land had been fairly purchased. Mr." 

Eaton was annually elected governor of the colony 
for twenty years, until his death, and to his wise 
administration, under the providence of God, they 
were indebted for their unusual prosperity. 

14. In Jan., 1639, the freemen of the settlements 
^?ntoc upon the Connecticut river, who had heretofore ac- 
mrt^"^ knowledged the authority of Massachusetts, assem- 
bled at Hartford, and adopted a constitution for 
themselves. It was ordained that the governor and 
all public officers should be elected annually by the 
people, and that in the assembly alone should lie 

Describe f' ^ ' t i rr,, 

constitu- ^"® power of makmg or repealmg laws. Thus did 
the colonists, by these wise regulations, early show 
their firm attachment to this principles of liberty 
and justice. 

15 A dispute, of so bitter a nature as to threaten 
hostilities, had long existed between the English 
and Dutch respecting the boundary line of their ter- 
ritories. In 1650 Governor Stuyvesant visited Hart- 
ford, and entered into a treaty with the English, in 
which the Dutch were to relinquish their claim to 

Dutch, the territory of Connecticut, except the lands they 
actually occupied. 
1660. 16. Upon the overthrow of the Commonwealth 
and the re-establishment of Monarchy in England, 
the inhabitants of Connecticut proclaimed the new 
king, and petitioned through Winthrop, their Gov- 
ernor, for a royal charter. Winthrop repaired to 



tion 



Describe 
the trea- 
ty with 



Chap. V. ROYAL CHARTER. 131 

England, and securing the interest of Lord Say and leea 

-Seal obtained an ample charter, confirming the con- how was 

stitution which they had previously adopted, and chlner^ 

connecting Hartford and New Haven in one colo- and what 

*-^ ^ _ was its 

ny, of which the limits extended from the Narra- t^/y"^*^' 
gansett bay to the Pacific ocean. 

17. The sale of a portion of those lands has given 

to Connecticut its valuable school fund, throuarh fund was 

derived 

which education is placed within the reach of all. ^'om a 

i^ portion 

For a number of years New Haven refused to unite il^^g}^ 
with Hartford, but in 1665, fearful of being joined to 
some other colony, she reluctantly gave her consent. 

18. In 1687, Sir Edmund Andros arrived at Bos- „,^ 
ton with a commission from James appointing him Idgpve,-- 
governor of all New England. In the autumn of lea??" 
the same year, he proceeded to Connecticut attend- 

1-11 Whatdid 

ed by some of his council and an armed guard, and 5^n3^o„ 
on his arrival, finding the assembly in session, de- vll ""["■ 
manded the immediate surrender of its charter. 

19. The assembly was alarmed, and pleaded Describe 

-^ '■ the scene 

long and earnestly for their cherished patent. The ^i^^f"- 
discussion was prolonged until late in the evening, 
w^hen the charter was produced • and laid on the 
table, a large number of citizens being present. On 
a sudden the lights were extinguished, and when 
rekindled the charter had disappeared. Joseph 
Wadsworth had concealed the precious document 
in the hollow of an oak tree, which is still standing, 
and from this circumstance called the charter oak. 
Andros, however, assumed the government and con- ^^^ 
tinned in his ofiSce until the dethronement of James, am£s 
when he was deposed, and Connecticut resumed fn'hi""^ 
her lormer gov rninent. 



132 CONNECTICUT. Part i. 

1693 ^^- After this, no attempt to infiiiig-e upon her 

rights occurred until 1693, when Colonel Fletcher, 

For what who had been previously appointed governor of 

Fletcher New York, with authority to take command of the 

Hartford? militia of Connecticut, appeared at Hartford and 

demanded that they should be placed under his 

command. This being contrary to the charter of 

the colony, the governor refused, but in compliance 

with his request, ordered the militia to assemble on 

the green. 

21. Fletcher now attempted to read his com- 
*h« mission, but Capt. Wadsworth ordered the drums to 

scene ' y 

miiiVa*?^ beat, so that nothing could be heard. Fletcher 
commanded silence and again began to read. 
" Drum, drum, I say," said Wadsworth, and the 
voice of the reader was again drowned in the noise. 
The colonel again demanded silence, and Wads- 
worth again shouted, " Drum, drum,"tlien turning to 
Fletcher with meaning in his looks, he said, "If I am 
interrupted again, I will make the sun shine through 
you in a moment." Deeming it unwise to contend 
with such a spirit, Fletcher returned to New York, 
and never again troubled Capt. Wadsworth or the 
Connecticut militia. 

22. Education w^as cherished in Connecticut as 
the great source of freedom, and religious knowledge 
carried to the highest degree of perfection. In 1700 

sai/of' Yale College was founded at Saybrook by a party 
t'hTfoun- ^^ clergymen, but was soon after removed to New 
Ya'ie" ^^ Haven. It derived its name from Ehhu Yale, who 
Co ege? j^g^jg several donations to the institution. For 
nearly a century, with transient interruptions, the 
republican institutions of Connecticut were un- 



Cliap. VI. ROGER WILLIAMS. 133 

harmed, and peace and prosperity were within its leac 

borders. 



CHAPTER VI. 

RHODE ISLAND. 

1. Roger Williams, the pastor of a church in ^^rhowaa 
Salem, Massachusetts, having rendered himself ^^y^der 
obnoxious to the Puritans from certain reUgious isiandV 
views which he entertained, was banished from 

the colony. Early in 1636, he left Salem in winter, less. 
during- snowv and inclement weather, of which he ,^,^ , ^ 

c? •' ' W hat led 

remembered the severity in his old age. For fourteen ll'^^-l'^. 
weeks he wandered in the wilderness, often without n'om 
a guide, and with no house but a hollow tree. But cnusetts? 
he was not without friends, for Massasoit and Ca- 

' Describe 

nonicus, whose cause he had advocated, welcomed [Ji.'J""'" 
him wdth warm hearts to their cabins. Until his 
death, he remained the firm friend of their tribes, 
and was ever regarded by them with the warmest 
affection. 

2. He first commenced a settlement at Seekonk, where 
but Avas soon informed by Governor Winthrop, tbat tirstcom- 

•' ^ ' menct; a . 

he was within the patent of Plymouth, and advised ^'^"jjf 
to steer his course to the Narragansett bay. He Sice'/ 
accordingly with five companions, embarked in a remove? 
frail canoe, and sailed down the Narragansett 
river, until he reached Moshassuck. w^here he land- di.the at, 

' lenplh 

edj and having bought the land of the Indians, g;:^f. 
formed his settlement, which in token of bis un- &nn 



134 RHODE ISLAND. Parti. 

1636 broken confidence in the mercies of God he called 
Providence. 

3. He founded the colony on the broadest principles 

of civil and religious liberty, making his govern- 

whatis ment a pure democracy, where the will of the ma- 

said of 

fheje^j^u-^jority should govern the State in civil things, God 
ny^and°' alouc bciug rcspectcd as the ruler of conscience. 
acte? of He labored long and earnestly for the temporal and 
Uams? spiritual good of the Indians, and manifested a 
friendly feeling toward the people of Massachusetts, 
who had banished him, giving them the first inti- 
mation of the conspiracy of the Pequods for their 
destruction, and at the peril of his own life, went 
among the hostile tribes and succeeded in breaking 
up their designs. 
1638. 4. In 1638, Wilham Coddington and seventeen 
others, driven by religious persecution from Massa- 

What is ' J & r . 

the'^set- chusetts, formcd a setttlement at Portsmouth, upon 
on"*fhe the island of Aquetnac, now called Rhode Island, 
Ariuet-° which thcv had purchased from the Indians. Cod- 

naci 1 

dington was chosen governor. The toleration of 
all Christian sects and the democracy of the gov- 
ernment attracted many emigrants from the adja- 
cent settlements. Newport was founded the next 
year, and the settlements on this beautiful island 
rapidly increased. 

5. As yet, Rhode Island had no royal charter, and 

when the New England colonies formed their 

Why memorable confederacy in 1643, she was refused 

was this -' ' 

refurid admittance unless she would submit to the juris- 
um-e'm- dictlon of Plvmouth. This she declined doing, 

to the . *^ . . , , . 

England pr^i^rmig to rcmaiu m her present state, rather 
racy^/^" than in one of dependence. In the following 



CHap.VI. ROYAL CHARTER. 135 

year, Williams having visited England for that pur- i64t 
pose obtained of the Plynfouth Company a patent 
of the territory, and permission to institute a 
government for the colonists. In 1647, delegates 
elected by the people, held a general assembly at 
Portsmouth, organized their government, and es- 
tablished a code of laws. 

6. In 1663, Rhode Island and Providence 
plantations obtained a royal charter, which con- what is 

^ -^ ' . said of 

tmued in • force with but one short interrup- the royal 

I charier i 

tion until 1842. The governor, members of the 
legislature, and all public officers, were to be 
elected by freemen, and no person within the col- 
ony could be molested or called in question for any 
difference in opinion in matters of religion. 

^ ° What is 

7. When Andros became governor over the New ^ndros? 
England colonies, he dissolved the charter govern- 
ment of Rhode Island, but three years after when 
deposed from his office, the freemen assembled at 
Newport, and resumed their old charter. In 1730, Br^n 

Univcr" 

Brown University was founded by Nicholas sity? 
Brown, who gave to the institution five thousand 
dollars. 



136 



Part I. 




LANDING OF THE DUTCH. 



1609 



CHAPTER VIL 



NEW YORK. 



What 
was I he 



1. One great object in the voyages of the early 

object of navigators was the discovery of a western passage 

'p' to the East Indies much shorter and more safe than 

the one tlien known. In pursuit of this passage, 



Chap. VII. EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 137 

Henry Hudson made two voyages in the service of igo9 
a company of London merchants, but being unsuc- jn.vhose 
cessful, his employers gave up the attempt in cikTmid- 



son mal 



despau'. two vos- 

i _ aiies. and 

2. Hudson, still confident of success, now entered ;;[|.''t 
the service of the Dutch East India Company and '"''"'''• 
in 1609, sailed on his third voyage. He reached in whose 

seivire 

the continent in the vicinity of Newfoundland, pro- ti'^i ''^ 

'' ' I then en- 

ceeded south along the coast to Virgiina, then ^'^'• 
turning to the north, on the thirteenth day of Sep- what is 
tember he anchored within Sandy Hook, where he hll third 

voyage ? 

remained a week, and then entered the harbor and 
sailed up the river as far as the present city of 
Albany. Having completed his discovery, lie de- 
scended the stream to wliich time has ffiven his 
name and sailed for Europe.* 

3. Shortly after, a vessel was fitted out by a com- 
pany of merchants at Amsterdam and sent out to what of 
traffic with the natives. When Argell in 1613, re- !i'uief^ 
turning from his piratical excursion against the set- 
tlements at Port Royal, entered the waters of New 
York, he found on the island of Manhattan a num- 
ber of hovels erected by these Dutch mariners and 
traders. His larger force made him, while he re- 
mained, lord of the island, but as he retired, the 
Dutch continued their profitable traffic, and in the 



* Hudson, shortly after his return, sailed on another voyage 
to discover a western passage, in the employment of a company 
of English merchants. Sailing north into the Arctic ocean, he 
searched through a gloomy winter in vain. At length provi- 
sions were nearly exhausted, and his crew broke forth into mu- 
tinv. Hudson was .seized, and, with his son, thrown into a 
small boat and left to perish. He never was heard of afterward. 



ment? 



138 



NEW. YORK. Part I. 



1621 following year having received reinforcements. erect- 
Fort Am- ^d Fort Amsterdam on the south end of the island. 
Ind'^FOTt Emigrants from Holland frequently arrived, and in 

1615, a settlement was commenced at Albany, and 

Fort Orange erected. 
wat\he ^- ^^ 1621, the Dutch West India Company was 
fhe"' °^ formed, and immediately received a grant of a large 
East In- tract of countrv on both sides of the Hudson, ex- 

dia Com- . i ^ • • i 

pany? tending from the Connecticut river on the north to 

the Delaware river on the south. The territory was 

called New Netherlands. In 1623, Cornelius Mey 

ascended the Delaware river, and on Timber Creek, 

fort^did where it enters the Delaware a few" miles below 

erect? Cauidcn, erected Fort Nassau. Two years after, 

Peter Minuits the commercial agent of the West 

, India Company, arrived at Manhattan with the 

What of . ^ 

Minuits? commission of governor, which office he held for 
six years. 

5. For a considerable length of time, a friendly 
What is feeling existed between the Dutch and the Pilgrims. 

said of 
the Pil- 



the Pil The latter were invited to remove to the richmead- 

and the qw^s of the Conuecticut, and they in their turn re- 
Dutch? ' "^ 

ciprocated the kindness of the former in many ways. 

These w^ere the rude beginnings of New York. 

Its first age was the age of hunters and Indian 

traders ; of traffic in the skins of beavers and otters. 

Describe It was tlic day of straw" roofs, and wooden chim- 

Yorkas neys, and windmills. The straw-roofed cottages 

and as a^^ uucuUivated oriounds on the island of Manhat- 

It IS. ~ 

tan, in little more than two centuries, have given 
place to the marble mansions of the rich and the 
crowded streets of the metropolis of the New 
World. 



Chap. VII. EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 139 

6. The sombre forests which met the eye of Hud- 1629 
son as he sailed up the river that bears his name, 
have passed away, and in their place we behold cul- 
tivated fields and smiling villages. The vast wil- 
derness traversed only by wild beasts and savage 
men, its silence unbroken save by their cry, 

is now penetrated in every direction by railroads 
and canals, and its rivers and lakes resound with 
the breathings of the steam-engine, as it impels 
floating palaces, conveying the busy traveler and the 
rich products of the soil to their destination. Such 
are the changes which have been brought about by 
the action of mind upon matter. 

7. In 1629, a new company was formed in Hol- 
land, called the " CoUesre of nineteen." Bv the what of 

. . •'the regu- 

regulations of this company, every one who would IheTof/ • 
emigrate on his own account, was entitled to as mL^^ 
much land as he could cultivate. He that within 
four years would plant a colony of fifty souls,* be- 
came Lord of the Manor, or Patroon, possessing in 
absolute property the land he colonized, which 
might extend sixteen miles in length ; yet it was 
stipulated that the soil must be purchased of the 
Indians. 

8. Under these regulations several settlements 
w^ere formed. Five Indian chiefs, in return for 
parcels of goods, conveyed the land from Albany J^^fe. 
to the mouth of the Mohawk to the agent of Van ^eT 
Rensselaer, and a few years afterward, the pur- 
chase was extended twelve miles farther south. 

9. In 1631, De Yriez conducted from Holland a '^^i. 
colony, which settled at Lewistown, near the Dela- 
ware. After a residence of a year in America, De 



140 NEW YORK. 



Pait I. 



163 1 ^^liez sailed for Holland, leaving his colony to the 
What of ^^''^ o^ Asset. At the close of the year he returned, 
?mi his*"^ and found the soil he had planted strewn with the 
bones of his countrymen. The Indians had at- 
tacked the settlement, and nearly all had been de- 
stroyed. In the following spring, De Vriez sailed 
to New Amsterdam, where he found Wouter Van 
Twiller, who had been recently appointed Gov- 
ernor in the place of Minuits. 
What 10. The Dutch laid claim to a large portion of 

ciuL of the territory of Connecticut, and had early occupied 

the qiiur- •' ' •' ' 

tvveeif the soil, and erected a fort in the vicinity of Hart- 



Coiinec- 

ticii 

the 



ticut and ford-. But the swarms of English in Connecticut 



Dutch, ffiew so numerous as not only. to overwhelm the 

and how ^ '' 

sealed? feeble settlement at that place, but to invade the 
less doubtful territories of New Netherlands. A 
bitter quarrel ensued, which continued until 1650, 
w4ien Peter Stuyvesant, the governor of New Ne- 
thei4ands, met the commissioners of the New Eng- 
land colonies at Hartford, where a line of partition 
between their terjitories was fixed by mutual agree- 

S'^the ment. Long Island was divided between them, 
and on the main-land, New Netherlands was al- 
lowed to extend to Greenwich near the present 
boundary. 

11. While encroachments were thus being made 
upon the Dutch in the east, a new cause of trouble 
arose in the west. Gustavus Adolplius, the King 
of Sweden, had long cherished the plan of forming 

colony? ^ colony iu America, which should be a blessing to 
the whole Protestant world. After his death in 
1633, his minister revived the plan, but more than 



bouiidiiiy 
line? 



What is 
said of 
the for- 
mation 
of the 
Swedish 



Chap. II. NEW SWEDEN. 141 

four years passed away before the design was car- kjjjq 
ried into efifect. 

12. In 1638, the Swedish colony under Minuits, 1633. 
the former governor of New Netherlands, arrived 

in the Delaware bay ; purchased the lands of the 
natives, from the southern cape to the falls in the 
river near Trenton, and not far from the mouth of 
Christiana creek erected Christiana fort. Dela- 
ware was colonized, and notwithstanding the oppo- 
sition of Kieft, the Dutch governor, for a consider- 
able length of time prospered and increased in pop- 
ulation. The banks of the Delaware, from the 
ocean to tlie falls, were known as New Sweden. 

13. While the limits of New Netherlands were 
narrowed by competitors on the east, on the 
south, the colony was almost annihilated by the 
vengeance of the neighboring Algonquin tribes. ZktVr 
Rum had been freely sold to the Indians, and un- t'l'fies 

-' ' with the 

der its influence many outrages were committed. I'^^'ans? 

One of the Manhattan Indians had killed a Hol- 
lander, and Kieft demanded the murderer. An 
angry quarrel ensued. Shortly after the Mohawks 
came down upon the Manhattans, when in terror 
they begged the Dutch to assist them. The bar- 
barous Kieft sent his troops, and at night murdered ^.{J^y^f 
them all, men, women and helpless children, to the ^''''^• 
number of a hundred. 

14. Every Algonquin tribe around Manhattan 
burned witli the frenzy of revenge. No English Pesr-nbe 
family within their reach was safe. The Dutch ?'•'«« oT 



VI 



llages were in flames, and the people fleeing to * 
Holland. At length, through the intervention of 
Roger Williams, peace was restored. But hostih- 



ind its 
close. 



1^ NEW YORK. 



Part I. 



1645 ties soon recommenced. Capt. Underbill was ap- 
pointed commander of the Dutch troops. The war 
continued two years, w^hen it was brought to a 
close through the influence of the Mohawks, who 
claimed a sovereignty over the Algonquins. 

15. Great was tHe joy of the colony on the return 
of peace. The policy of the infamous Kieft was 
disavowed by the West India Company, and he re- 
whatbe- movcd from office. Two years after he embarked 
Kieft? for Europe in a richly laden vessel ; but the ship, 
unable to breast the fury of elements, as merciless 
as his own passions, was dashed in pieces o^j the 
coast of Wales, and the guilty Kieft was over- 
whelmed by the waves. 
1647. 16. Peter Stuyvesant succeeded Kieft as gover- 
nor of the colony, and with the commencement of 
appoint his wise administration a. better day dawned on 
place, New Netherlands. Durinsr h's administration, 

and vyhat ~ ' 

his%d "'^ the difficulties existing between the Dutch and 

tionT^' English were amicably arranged, mention of which 

has already been made. In 1651, Stuyvesant, from 

motives of commercial security, built Fort Casimer 

What 

fort was on thc sltc of Ncwcastlc, within five miles of Chris- 
erected, " 

w^"it''' tiana, where the Swedish fort was situated. The 
^estroy- g^rg(jjg[j govcmor, lookiug upon this as an encroach- 
ment by means of stratagem, overpowered the gar- 
rison and took possession of the fort. 

17. Stuyvesant determined to punish them, and 
in September, 1655, at the head of a force of six 
^^'''lelld hundred men, sailed into the Delaware for the pur- 
pose of conquest. Resistance was unavailing, and 
one after another of the Swedish forts surrendered, 



this 
to.' 



Chap. VII. GRANT OF THE DUKE OF YORK. 143 

until the whole country was in the hands of the 1664: 
Dutch. Such was the end of New Sweden. to 

18. New Netherlands soon fell into other hands, wasTew 
for in 1664, Charles XL granted the whole of the lands 

' ^ granted 

territory, from the Connecticut to the Delaware '" ^^"• 
river, to his brother, the Duke of York and Albany. 
The same year, the Duke dispatched three ships 
for his new possessions, under the command of 
Col. Richard Nichols. 

19. In August, Nichols arrived in the harbor what 
of New Amsterdam, and immediately demanded a fie^frri" 
surrender of the territory to his English majesty, rfkhois ' 
Governor Stuyvesant being unprepared for defense, nor? 
was compelled to comply with the demand, and the 
whole country passed into the hands of the Eng- .^^ ^^^^^ 
lish. In honor of the Duke, the name of New ''am^es^o^f 
Amsterdam was changed to New York, and Fort Am'Iter- 

r. dam and 

Orange to Albany. Nichols assumed the govern- Fon^^ 
ment, and continued for three years to rule over it ^h^''^*^*^' 
with absolute power, but with great integrity and 
moderation. Upon his return to England in 1667, who was 
he was succeeded by Lovelace, who administered ceLorof 

. -, 1 ' . Nichols? 

the government with equal moderation. 

20. In 1672, war broke out between England what 
and Holland, and in the following year a few Dutch ^ew '" 
ships were sent to reconquer their old territory, in the' 
America. Arriving in New York bay, John Man- ^If^^ 
ning, who had charge of the fort, sent down and Enlh'nd 
covertly made terms with the enemy. The Dutch fa"id?°" 
immediately sailed up the harbor and took posses- 
sion of the fort and city without firing a single gun. 
The next year, peace was concluded, and the coun- 
try was restored to the English. 



appoint- 
ed gover- 
nor under 
the new 
patent? 



144 NEW YORK. Part I. 

168 2 21. The Duke of York obtained a new patent, 
~^^, confirming his former grant, and appointed Edmund 
Andros, afterward known as the tyrant of New 
England, governor of his possessions in America. 
During the administration of Andros and that of 
his successor, Anthony Brockholst, no event worthy 
of particular notice occurred in the colony. 

In 1682, Colonel Thomas Dongean, a Roman 
wii^" Catholic, was appointed governor, and on the fol- 
appoint- lowinff year arrived at the colony. Heretofore the 

ed gover- o ^ ^ j 

nor? governor and council had possessed absolute power, 
but now Dongan was directed to call an assembly 
of representatives. 

22. Early in October, the first assembly consist- 
ing of the council and eighteen representatives met 
and formed a " Charter of Liberties.''^ The legis- 
lature was hereafter to possess the sole power of 
, enacting laws and levying taxes, but the laws 
could have no force, until ratified by the Duke. 
With these just regulations the people were grati- 
fied' and contented. In 1684, a treaty of peace was 
renewed with the Five Nations, from which time 
it continued unbroken for a number of years. 
How was 23. In 1685, the Duke of York ascended the 
looked throne of Ensrland, with the title of James II. 

on by the ° ' 

coionistsi Claiming unlimited authority as king, and a big- 
oted Catholic in religion, he was feared and hated 
by a large majority of the colonists, who were 
*Protestants, and who, on account of the oppressive 
acts of himself and governor, began to tremble for 



What 
was the^ 
result ot' 
the first 
legisla- 
tive as- 
sembly? 



With 

'.V IHt 

did they their religion. Great, therefore, was their joy when 
his de- JQ 1689, they received intelligence that the people 



Chap. VII. LEISLER AND MILBORNE. 145 

of England had determined to dethrone James, j689 
and offer the crown to William and Mary. 

24. Jacob Leisler, an active mihtia captain, what is 
placed himself at the head of a few men, declared Lelier^ 
for William and Mary, and took possession of the 

fort of New York. Milborne, his son-in-law, pro- 
ceeded to Albany and made himself master of the 
place. These proceedings, at first, were discounte- 
nanced by the magistrates, and the more respecta- ^^'g*^^4 
ble part of the citizens, but in a short time his f^rS 
force increased to more than five hundred men, 
suflficient in strength to put down all opposition. 

25. Before the breaking out of these disturban- 
ces. Donga n had sailed for England. Nicholson, 

his successor, unable to contend with Leisler, ab- Lc;'s|er 
sconded in the night. Shortly after a letter arrived 
from the ministry in England, conferring authority assume 
on whoever administered the laws of the prov- emment? 
ince, to perform all the duties of lieutenant-gov- 
ernor. Leisler considered this letter as addressed 
to himself, and assumed the authority conferred. 

The assumption of power on the part of Leisler, 
and his arbitrary and unjust measures, created in what 

1 •!/• -1 ••• 1.. "3^ the 

themmdsoi many a violent animosity toward him, f^^^^^Pj^.^ 
which ended in bringing him to the scaffold. 

26. During these troubles in the colony, war was Jct^^hnl' 
declared between England and France, and hostili- ia.!-ition 
ties soon after commenced between the French and i!,etvveen 

Frnnce 

Indians on the north, and the English. Schenectady \ZtfUn^' 
was burned, sixty of the inhabitants were killed, lilsT'"'- 
and twenty-five made prisoners. To avenge these leso. 
barbarities and others perpetrated in New England, Kari- 
it was resolved to attack the French in Canada, mmmft^ 

ted? 

7 



think 
hims-elf 
author- 
ized to 



146 NEW YORK. Part I. 

1690 Two expeditions were formed, one under Sir 
-v^jjjjj William Phipps to proceed by sea, the other by the 
uons'^'" way of Lake Champlain, but both were unsuc- 

planued? ~ -, 

cessiul. 
whowas 27. In 1691, Henry Sloughter was appointed by 
fj^'i^^' the King, Governor of New York. Never was a 
^^^^' governor more necessary to a province ; but it would 
have been almost impossible for the king to have 
What is selected one less qualified for the station than 
him? Sloughter. He refused to treat with Leisler ; but 
put him with many of his companions in prison. 
What of Under the absurd charge of high treason, Leisler 
and Mil- and Milborne were tried ; pronounced guilty, and 
sentenced to be executed. Their property was con- 
fiscated, but was afterward restored to their de- 
scendants. 

In August, Sloughter ended, by a sudden death, 
a short, weak, and turbulent administration. 
What of 28. The war between the French, with their In- 

the ' _ 

rnd"''hi- dian allies, and the English, still continued, and 
dianwai? g^^^^^^^ ^|jjg ^ime Major Peter Schuyler, at the head 
of three hundred Mohawks, made a successful at- 
tack upon the French settlements, at the north end 
of Lake Champlain. 
whosuo 29. In 1692, Col. Fletcher Avas appointed as the 
^'°5'^^' successor of Sloughter. He was a good soldier, a 
What is religious man, and labored zealously to promote 
his ad- the interest of the English Church. Near the close 
tion? of his administration, the bloody war which had so 
jy^the long been carried on between England and France, 
Ind"??- by the French and English colonies in ixmerica, 
was terminated by the peace of Ryswick. 



termi 
nate? 



30. In 1698, the Earl of Bellamont arrived in 



Chap. VII. CAPTAIN KIDD. 147 

New York, as the successor of Governor Fletcher, noi 
About this time, the American seas were much in- whosuc- 
fested with pirates. Bellamont, before his departure rletclier? 
from Ensrland, had received instructions to wage a 
war of extermination agamst them. He had already, ^[™^-^,ij 
when in England, in connection with several oth- ceive^in 
ers, procured a vessel of war, placed it under the "^ ^ " 
command of Capt. Kidd, and directed him to pro- 
ceed first to New York, and then to cruise against 
the pirates. Kidd disobeyed his instructions, turned what is 
pirate himself, and for a long time ravaged the At- g^J^J" 
lantic and Indian oceans. 

31. Three years after, appearing publicly in Bos- 
ton, he was apprehended and sent to England, 
where he was tried and executed. Bellamont and 
his partners w^ere accused of sharing in his plunder, 
but after an examination in the House of Com- 
mons, they were pronounced innocent. 

32. On the death of Bellamont, in 1701, Lord SeT" 
Cornbury was appointed as his successor. Mean, mom? 
profligate and unprincipled, he looked upon a resi- 
dence in America as a happy escape from his credi- 
tors at home. His persecution of all religious sects ^^j^^^jg 
except the Church of England, his indecent and cimbi 
vulgar manners, and his many acts of injustice and '^' 
oppression, rendered him universally odious. The 
assemblies of New York and New Jersey, of which 

he was also governor in 1708, petitioned the queen what of 
for his removal. The request was complied with, history? 
and he was soon after thrown into prison by his 
creditors for debt, where he remained until the 
death of his father, when he exchanged his cell for 
a peerage and a seat in the House of Lords. 



148 NEW YORK. 



Part I, 



1 T4: 1 33. During Queen Anne's war, which broke out in 

1702 and conlinued until 1713, and King George's 

"n^did war, which commenced in 1745, but few events of 

Anne^s iutercst transpired in New York, which have not 

war con- . . . , , 

tinue? been ah'eady touched upon m connection with the 
colonial history of Massachusetts. The quiet of 
the country for many years was only disturbed by 
political contests, which would possess but little in- 
terest for the youthful mind. 
1^41- 34. In the year 1741, a supposed "negro plot" 
What is created great alarm in the city of New York. Rob- 
the^negro bcrics of B, bold and daring character vrere often 
New'" committed, and fires were of frequent occurrence, 

York? ' ... 

which were evidently the work of incendiaries. 
The suspicion of the citizens fell upon the slaves 
who resided among them. They were accused, by 
a number of abandoned females, of combining to- 
gether to burn the city, and make one of their 
number governor. The excitement in a short time 
became so great, that, upon the evidence of persons 
of the most infamous character, a large number 
were arrested and confined in prison. When the 
time of trial arrived, so strong was the prejudice 
against the prisoners, that every lawyer in the city 
volunteered against them, and the poor victims of 
an unjust suspicion were compelled to endure the 
ny^were mockeiy of 3. trial, and be convicted upon evidence 
cuted? i^j^g most extravagant and contradictory. Fourteen 
were burned, eighteen hung, and seventy-one trans- 
ported. When all this blood had been shed, and 
^^rgre the apprehension of danger had subsided, men be- 
emi'ty? gan to reflect calmly upon the evidence that had 
been advanced against the prisoners, and the con- 



Cliap. VIII. NEGRO PLOT. 149 

elusion was that the plot originated in their own i^n 
brains, and that they had executed innocent men. y^r■^^^ 
The negro plot in New York and Salem witchcraft Slon"^^' 
ill Massachusetts show into what extravagances negro ^ 

plot be 

men may be led, when their actions are uncontroll- classed? 
ed by the calm dictates of reason. From the 
close of King George's war, in 1748, until the^j^^^j^ 
breaking out of the '• French and Indian war," the Net"^ 
inhabitants of New York were relieved Irom the from the 

close of 

burdens and distresses of hostilities. Mention will J^'"^ , 

George's 

be made of that contest, in which all the colonies '''^" 
acted in concert, at a future period in our history. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

NEW JERSEY. 



1. The province of New Netherlands included,,,. , . 

r What IS 

within its limits the State of New Jersey, and, up to tfle'ear^y 
the time of the conquest of the whole of that coun- New je°- 
try by the English, in 1664, its history is a part of 
the history of that colony. The first settlement 
witbin the limits of New Jersey, was made by the 
Danes, about the year 1624, at a place called Bergen ; 
shortly afterward, several Dutch families settled ^^.^^ 
themselves in the vicinity of New York. But httle Semfnt? 
progress, however, had been made in settling this 
territory, until 1664, when a settlement was formed 
at Elizabethtown. 

2. Shortly after, the Duke of York, having re- 



150 NEW JERSEY. Part I. 

1664 ceived a grant from Charles II., of all lands within 

To the province of New Netherlands, conveyed that 

wL'^'this portion of them lying between the Hudson and 

granted Delaware rivers, to Lord Berkeley and Sir George 

Yol^k?"^ Carteret. This tract, in compliment to Sir George, 

who had been governor of the island of Jersey, was 

called New Jersey. A constitution, securing equal 

privileges and liberty of conscience to all, was 

said of formed by the proprietors, and Philip Carteret ap- 

the"S' pointed governor. He arrived in 1665, and fixed 

uon'or' the seat of government at Elizabethtown. The 

hberal spirit of the constitution, and the beauty of 

the climate, attracted many settlers from New 

England and New York. The population rapidly 

increased, and for a number of years, they enjoyed 

uninterrupted peace and prosperity. 

3. But at length domestic troubles arose, which, 
troubks in a short time, assumed a serious character. The 



Carteret? 



arose 



respect^ inhabitants who had purchased lands from the In- 
dians, previous to their conveyance to the duke, re- 
fused to pay rent to the proprietors. Disputes were 
followed by confusion, and in 1672, the disaffected 
colonists displaced Philip Carteret, their governor, 
and transferred his office to the young and frivo- 
lous James Carteret, a son of Sir George. Philip 
Carteret, hastened to England, in search of new 
authority, while the colonists remained in the un- 



What is 



said of disturbed possession of their farms. 

quest" 4, In 1673, the Dutch re-conquered the country, 

[fon'^of and retained it until 1674, when it was restored by 



the coun- 
try and 
the gov- 
ernment 
under 
the new 
charter J 



treaty. A new patent was then granted to the 
duke, who immediately appointed Andros governor 
over the re-united province. In 1675, Phihp Car- 



CHap. VIII. LAND TITLES. 151 

teiet returned to New Jersej^, and was gladly re- ig^j-^. 
ceived by the inhabitants, who had become heart- 
ily weary of the tyranny of Andros. 

5. In 1674, Lord Berkeley sold his. share of New Describe 
Jersey to Fen wick, in trust for Billings and his quenr" 
assio:nees. Billings subsequently became embar- which 

~ o 1 J were 

rassed in his pecuniary affairs, and made an as- ^^^l^^, 
signment of his claims on New Jersey to William '""'^' 
Penn, Gawin Lawrie, and Nicholas Lewis. In 
1676, the assignees of Billings divided the territory 
with Sir George Carteret, they taking the western, 
and he the eastern portion. The western proprie- 
tors divided their territory into one hundred lots, 
which were sold separately. They then gave the 
settlers a free constitution, under the title of Con- 
cessions, granting all the important privileges of 
civil and religious liberty. 

6. The Duke of York continued to mge his 
claims to jurisdiction over New Jersey, to the great how 
annoyance of the inhabitants, until 1680, when the n^Jj^^" 
question was referred to Sir WiUiam Jones, for his rn.m the 
decision. The decision was in their favor, and the thepuke 

' ot York 1 

people finally succeeded in securing a formal recog- 
nition of their independence. In 1681, the Gov- 
ernor of West Jersey convened their first legislative 
assembly, when several laws were enacted, estab- 
lishing the rights of the people and defining the 
power of tbe rulers. 

7. In 1682, William Penn and eleven other per- whatof 
sons of the society of friends, purchased of Sir sey un- 

./ / 1 dgr Qua- 

George Carteret, the whole province of East New ^-J^^^. 
Jersey. Twelve other persons of different denomi- *'°"' 
nations, were then united with the purchasers, 



152 NEW JERSEY. 



Part I. 



1G82 ^i^d Robert Barclay, author of the " Apology for the 

Quakers," appointed governor for life. -Under his 

brief administration, a large number of emigrants 

arrived from Scotland. 

What led 8. The vast numbers of proprietors, and the fre- 

fier'of" quent transfer and subdivision of shares, introduced 

Immlnt* coufusiou iu land titles, which gave rise to long and 

crown', angry disputes. At length, the proprietors, weary 

1702. of contending, surrendered in 1702 their rights of 

government to the crown. The two divisions were 

. united and ioined to New York under the govern- 

What of '' ^ . 

n^^'^ih'e i^ient of Lord Cornbury. The two provmces 
Kthis remained under the same governor, but possessed 
of distinct legislative assemblies until 1738, when, 
in Qomphance with the mgent request of the peo- 
ple of New Jersey, they w^ere allowed a separate 
governor. From this period until the commence- 
ment of the Revolution, no event of historical 
interest occurred in New Jersey. 



Chap. IX. DELAWARE. 153 

1C.8 3 

CHAPTER IX. 

DELAWARE. 

1. The history of Delaware until its conquest ^j^^^^j^ 

by the Dutch, has already been given in connec- the early 

tion with that of New York. It will therefore be Dela- 
ware ? 

unnecessary to refer to that period again. The 
settlements on the Delaware continued under the 
control of the Dutch, until 1664, when New Neth- 
erlands was conquered by the English. They 
were then considered a part of New York. 

2. About the year 1682, William Penn pur- what 
chased of the Duke of York the country at present 
comprised within the State of Delaware. This c»rreti 

J^ about 

tract w^as called the " Territories," and was for ^^^'^• 
twenty years governed as a part of Pennsylvania. 

3. They were divided into three counties : New 
Castle, Kent and Sussex, each of which sent six to thai? 
delegates to the general assembly. These dele- '"o" from 
gates, in 1703, being dissatisfied with the last char- ^'''"'^■ 
ter which Penn had prepared, broke off from that 
colony, and formed a distinct assembly ; but still 
remaining under the jurisdiction of the former pro- 
prietor. 

4. Delaware was but little disturbed during the 
various Indian wars which harassed the country, farther^ 
and enjoyed peace and quiet until the breaking out J^'a^-j 
of the Revolution, when her troops were foremost in 
fighting for the liberties of their country. 



imi;or- 
tmit 
event oc- 



154 PENNSYLVANIA. Part I, 

1681 

_^ CHAPTER X. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

1. The territory comprised within the limits of 
whaus the State of Pennsylvania was granted in 1681, by 
iFpeS Charles XL, to William Penn, son of Admiral Penn, 
as a recompense for services which he had render- 
ed the British nation. 
What of ^- ^he charter constituted William Penn and 
the^char- j_^-g ]^g|j.g pi-opiietors of the province of Pennsylva- 
nia, and gave to him, his heirs and their deputies, 
power to make laws with the advice of the freemen, 
and to erect courts of justice. Wishing to dis- 

How did /•I'll i/- 1 1 -r» 

Pennd^s- posc of his lauds and lound a colony, Penn now 
Swhit pubHshed a description of the country holding out 
the>st°^many inducements for emigration. He offered the 
tioiu land at the rate of twenty pounds for every thou- 
sand acres, or to lease it to those who preferred for 
a yearly rent of a penny an acre. At these low 
rents, large tracts of land were sold, mostly to 
(Quakers, of which denomination Penn was a 
member. 

3. In the latter part of the same year, three ships 
carrying settlers sailed for Pennsylvania. Among 
their number was Markham, who was to act as 
deputy governor. On their arrival, they selected, as 
a proper place for their settlement, a position above 
the confluence of the Delaware and the Schuylkill. 

4. In the following year, Penn published the 
frame of government for Pennsylvania, and a code 



Chap. X. TREATY WITH THE INDIANS. 155 

of laws, which had been approved by the emigrants i683 
in England. To prevent future claigis to the prov- whatdid 
ince by the Duke of York, he obtained a release publish 
from him of all lands under his control in Pennsyl- JST'"^ 
vania, and also a grant of the territory comprised what did 
within the present State of Delaware. from the 

5. In the latter part of September, accompanied York? 
by about two thousand emigrants, he set sail for ^^^^ 
America, and early in the following November Jlfit^'^ 
landed at New Castle. The next day possession '"^"'^ ' 
of the " Territories" was legally given him by the 
magistrates. 

From New Castle, Penn ascended the Delaware 
to Chester, and from thence proceeded in an open 
boat to the beautiful bank on which the city of 
Philadelphia was soon to rise. 

6. Shortly after his arrival, surrounded by a few JJJat 
friends in the habiliments of peace, he met the SX' 
numerous delectation of the Lenni Lenape tribes his am- 
under a large elm tree, and entered into a treaty 
with them which ever remained unbroken. " We 
meet," said he in addressing them, " on the broad p^g^^j^g 
pathway of good faith, and good will ; no advan- fnl'^nT 
tas^e shall be taken on either side, but all shall \>e vvuVthe 

° . . Indians. 

openness and love. The friendship between me 
and you, I w411 not compare to a chain, for that the 
rains might rust or the falling tree might break. We 
are the same as if one man's body were to be divided 
into two parts ; we are all one flesh and blood." 

7. The children of the forest were touched by 
the sacred doctrine, and renounced their guile and 
their revenge. " We will live," said they, " in love 
with W^illiam Penn and his children, as long as the 



the In- 
dians ev 
er rei-'ara 
the 
kers? 



156 PENNSYLVANIA. Parti. 

1682 moon and the sun shall endure." After having re- 
^,, did ceived the stipulated price for their lands, and a 
- copy of the treaty, which they were requested to 
uuu" preserve, they retired to their wigwams, and long 
after would repeat to their children, or to the stran- 
ger, die words of William Penn. 

8. In nearly all the other American colonies, 
Indian hostilities and massacres were of frequent 
occurrence ; but in Pennsylvania, they lived in har- 
mony with the whites, and were hispired with a 
feeling of affection for those whose conduct gave 
evidence, that they were their sincere friends. 
During the whole period that the other colonies 
suifered from the vengeance of the red man, not a 
drop of (Quaker blood was shed by an Indian. 
The plan Shortly after the formation of this treaty, Penn laid 
c^ty did out the plan of a city, which^ he called Philadel- 
''"'' phia, or the city of " Brotherly Love." 
1683. 9. In this city a second assembly was held in 
March, 1683, and a second charter granted, differ- 

What 

were the iug^ in souie respccts from the first. To prevent 

regula- ^ ^ i i i 

tions of lawsuits, three arbitratoj-s were to be chosen bv the 

the sec- ' -^ 

sembfy? couuty court, to Settle differences between man and 
man ; children were to be taught some useful 
the trade, and no one was to be molested for religious 

t of ' . " 

regufa- ^piuions. Thcse wise regulations attracted many 
uons? emigrants, so that, in four years from the grant to 
Penn, the province contained twenty settlements, 
o' and Philadelphia two thousand inhabitants. In 
August, 1684, he returned to England, leaving the 
province under the administration of five commis- 
goVeni-"' sioners, chosen by the people. 

10. Soon after his return, James II. ascended the 



What 
•was 

result 



When 
did Penn 
return t 
England 
and in 
whose 
hands 
did he 
ive the 



in 

hi3 ab- 



Chap. X. WILLIAM PENN. 157 

throne. For many years he had been his father's 1694, 
and»his own friend, and when, a few years after- whatbe- 
ward, he was deprived of his throne, Penn was sent SeS 
to prison for his attachment to the cause of the im- England? 
fortunate monarch. In a short time he regained 

1694. 

the good opinion of King WiUiam, was released 
from prison, and restored to his rights. The gov- go?emed 
ernmei>t of his province, during his confinement, 5inc^e"^' 
had been administered by Governor Fletcher, a sence 
man appointed by the king. 

11. In 1699, Penn again visited his colony. Find- jyj'^p"e„j, 
ing the people dissatisfied with their old charter, "^"'™' 
in 1701 he prepared another, still more liberal than |Th"e 
the former. The colony of Delaware disapproving^ oun r 

•' rr » charter? 

of the charter, separated from Pennsylvania, and ^^^^^^^^1^ 
were allowed a distinct assembly. toJo? 

12. Penn soon after returned to England, and 

the affairs of the province from that time were ad- sai/of 

-. , 1 X . 1 ^he fu- 

mmistered by deputy governors. In the early part t%'^ Jj.^- 
of the Revolutionary war, a new constitution was ny'^ *'"'"" 
adopted by the people, excluding the proprietary 
from all share in the government. His claim to 
rents was afterward purchased for 580,000 dollars. 



158 MARYLAND. 

CHAPTER XL 

MARYLAND. 



Parti. 



To 

whom 



1. The tenitoiy of Maryland was granted in 
rySnf^' 1^^^) ^Y Chailcs I., to Sir George Calvert (whose 
grinted? title was Lord Baltimore) ; but before the charter 

was completed, he died. Cecil Calvert, his eldest 
tained son, and heir to his estate and title, obtained the 

the grant ' ' 

death^'' Z^^^^ intended for his father. The country was 

narne^''* Called Maryland, in honor of Henrietta Maria, the 

give it? Q^ueen of England. The Calverts, father and son, 

were Roman Catholics, and their design in found- 

What ' ° 

were t 

Calverts? 

refuge to their rehgious friends who suffered from 
persecution. 

2. Near the close of the year 1633, Leonard Cal- 
^pCint^^ vert, who had received the appointment of gov- 
nor of ernor of the province from his brother Cecil, set 



were the j^g ^ colony iu Auicrica was, to furnish a place of 



the pro- 

dred emigrants, mostly Roman Catholics. They 



^'"''^' sail for America, accompanied by about two hun- 



and 
where 
was the 

tiement arrived in March 1634, and commenced their set- 

com- ' 

menced^ tlcment on St. Mary's river, about ten miles from 
its junction with the Potomac, at an Indian village 
which they purchased from the natives, and to 
which they gave the name of St. Mary's. 

3. The ample provisions of their charter, and the 
whatied mildness of the climate, attracted many emigrants, 
rapid i'ii- not oulv from Europe, but from the other colonies 

crease of *' i i • i i 

\^^^^^; in America. From the south churchmen drove 
EdV puritans, from the north puritans drove churclim^n, 



Chap. XI. CLAYBORNE. 159 

into her borders, where all were received and pro- less 
tected. The charter granted to the emigrant reli- 
gious freedom, and the power to make their own 
laws, independent of all influence or action of the 
crown. 

4. In 1635, the first assembly of Maryland met when 
at St. Mary's. Durino^ the same year troubles fir-t as- 
arose from the resistance of WiUiam Clayborne, ™eet? 
who had, prior to the grant of Maryland to Lord 
Bahimore, received a license from the legislature y^r^^^ 
of Virginia, to traffic in the country with the In- cauU'd^ 
dians. This, he said, made him independent of the Ucs 
Maryland government, whicli he refused to obey, ^^i^^^^^' 
A bloody skirmish followed, and several lives w^ere ^''"'®' 
lost, but Clayborne and his party w^ere defeated. 
Clayborne fled to Virginia, and when reclaimed by what is 
Maryland, was sent by the governor of that colony cby ^ 
to England for trial. The Maryland assembly 
convicted him of treason, and confiscated his es- ^^^^• 
tates. He applied to the king for redress, but was 
dismissed, without obtaining any order in his fa- 
vor.. 

5. At first the people of Maryland assembled to- dkfthe 
ffether for passing laws, each freeman having: a adopt a 

•^ r o J » represen- 

right to come and vote, but in 1639, the colony had fomiV 
increased to such an extent, that the people adopt- mentT 
ed a representative form of orovernment. In 1642. what 

. , ^ '^ ' hostili- 

hostihties commenced with the Indians, which ^}^^^ll^^ 
were not appeased till 1644. During the civil war '"^" 
between the" king and parhament, Clayborne em- sMi/of 
braced the cause of the latter, and in 1645, returned ^"^ 

I ' during 

to Maryland, and fomented an insurrection against uIh,?^ 
its rulers, who were attached to the royal cause. mV^'' 



1 '>0 MARYLAND. 



Part I. 



What 
said of 



1651 The governor was obliged to flee to Virginia, and 
~ ~ confusion reigned in the colony. The next year 
the insurrection was suppressed, and tranquillity 
restored. 
What di- 6. In 1650, the legislature of Maryland was di- 
vas'" vided into two branches — the delegates, chosen by 
theiegis- the people, constituting the lower house; and the 
governor and council, appointed by the proprietor, 
the upper house. It is wortliy of remark, thafdur- 
MaV^ ing the whole period that the Catholics held the 
while ascendency, no law was passed, interfering in the 
Scs were l^ast with rcligious freedom. Maryland was a 
cenden-'" placc of rcfugc for the persecuted of every reli- 
gious denomination. 

7. After the parliament had triumphed over the 

kinof, and Cromwell commenced his rule as " Pro- 

whom tector of the Commonwealth," government sent out 

govern commissioiicrs to srovern the colony within the Bay 

mpnl in- ^ j ^ 

of Chesapeake. Among these was Clayborne, who 



meni in 
trusted 
durins 

of cmm- had been at the bottom of nearly all the difficulties 

which had occured in Maryland. Disturbance 

What anti confusion ensued, and Calvert, the governor 

disturb- ' ' ^ 

cnrred^'i'n appolutcd by thc proprlctor, was obliged to surren- 
fand:? der the goveinment, and the Cathohcs, after hav- 



ing settled the country, were shamefully persecuted 

e in it by the Enghsh authorities. It was ordain- 

ii^iiird ed by the assembly, that persons professing the 

the^'new CathoHc religion should not be considered within 

ment?" thc protcctiou of thc laws. At the restoration in 

1660. 1660, Phihp Calvert was appointed governor, and 

the ancient order of things restored. 

8. In 1675, Lord Baltimore died, and was suc- 
ceeded by his son Charles, who possessed the same 



How 
were th 
Catho 



What , 
took 
place on 
the res- 
toration ? 



Chap. XI. DEATH OF BALTIMORE. 161 

amiable qualities which had rendered his father igso 
respected and beloved. At the time of the revolu- ^.^en 
tion in England, in 1689, the repose of Maryland iedie^ 
was again disturbed. A rumor having been circu- j^^j^^^"^^"^ 
lated, that the Catholics had leagued with the In- "=^''°'- 
dians to destroy all the Protestants in the prov- 
ince, an armed association was formed for the de- cMsioned 

■ the tiis- 

fense of the Protestant faith, and for asserting the ^^'\'^^f,^ 
rig-hts of Kins^ William. 

9. At first the Catholics endeavored to oppose by ^Jg^^^S 
force this association, but were finally compelled to ^'"=^^"- 

^ -^ 1 In whose 

abdicate the government. From this time the au- "vaTthe 
thority was exercised in the name of King William, 
and for twenty-seven years, the crown retained the m 
controll of the province. In 1716, the proprietor when 
was restored to his rights, and Maryland continued p]™; 



govern- 
ment 
then ad- 
minis- 

red? 



stored to 

his 

riirhts, 



a proprietary government from that time, until the 

commencement of the Revolution, when a 'consti- and'how 

tution was adopted, and the claims of Lord Balti- he retain 

A ' posses- 

more to jurisdiction or property rejected. thTgov- 

ernmentj 



162 , NORTH CAROLINA. 

1630 

CHAPTER XIL 

NORTH CAROLINA. 



Parti. 



1. In 1630, Sir Robert Heath, attorney-general 
of Charles L, obtained a patent for all the country 
between the SOth and 36th degrees of north latitude, 



fering from religious persecution in Virginia, fled 



What is 
said of 
the pa 
tent 
granted 
to Sir 
Roliert 

Heaih? extending from the Atlantic ocean to the South 
sea, by the name of Carolina. Heath's patent led 
to no settlements, and was finally declared void. 

When Between 1640 and 1650, a number of families suf- 

and by ' 

whom 

was Car- 

expfoied to Carolina, and without a grant from any quarter 
tied? occupied that portion of the State which lies north 

of Albermarle sound. 
What is 2- ^^ 1661, a number of emigrants from Massa- 
Scob- chusetts formed another settlement, near Cape 
iviassa- Fear river, but the land being- unproductive, and 

chusetts? ' o r 7 

the Indians hostile, they two years afterward 

abandoned it. The place, however, was in a shoit 

tKofi- time supplied by emigrants from Barbadoes, over 



ny Irom 
Barba 
does ) 



rba- Avhom Sir John Yeamans was appointed governor. 



In 1663, the territory which had been before 
granted to Heath, was given to Lord Clarendon 
theAibl- ^*^^ seven others, and in the same year, a govern- 
countv ment under Mr. Drummond was established over 
coonyi ^^^ settlement in the vicinity of Albermarle sound, 
Why did which was called the '' Albej^marle county colony. ^^ 

the pro- •' •' 

detep'^ 3. The proprietors, judging from the richness of 
Establish the soil and the beauty of the climate, that North 
poveni-'* Carolina would soon be extensively settled, determin- 

mei.t 1 . 



Chap. XII. THE FIRST CONSTITUTION. v 163 

ed to establish a form of government, commensurate i669 
in its dignity with the auspices of the colony, and 
the vastness of the country. They accordingly 
deputed the Earl of Shaftsbury, the most active who 
of their number, to frame for the dawninsr States a rfamers^ 

• , 111 o'"'^'^ 

perfect constitution, worthy to endure throughout ^^J|,\^''"- 
all ages. 

4. Shaftsbury engaged to assist him the cele- 
brated John Locke, whose polit4<sal writings have 
been much admired. The constitution which was S^o/u? 
formed was little relished by the colonists, as it de- 
prived them almost entirely of political freedom, 
establishing a government to be administered by 
lords and noblemen, and placing every office of 
importance out of the reach of the common people. 

5. The attempt to enforce this, to the colonists, lero. 
odious constitution, created an insurrection, in which 
the principal officers of government were imprison- 
ed, and which could only be subdued by the threat ^^i^f^l' 
of bringing out an armed force against them. After sfeudon? 
an opposition to the constitution of more than 
twenty years, it was finally abrogated by the pro- 
prietors themselves. 

6. In 1670, a settlement was made at Charlestown, S^oV^ 
within the present limits of South Carohna, by Ifemint 
William Sayle, but he dying soon after, was sue- le^o? 
ceeded by Sir John Yeamans, the governor of Cla- ^^''^■ 
rendon. Many of the inhabitants of Clarendon y^^^ 
removed to the new settlement, which being remote sepamte 
from Albermarle, the proprietors established a sep- mem 

* ' '^ formed, 

arate government over it, and thence arose the dis- ^f^S*' 
tinctive appellations of North and South Carolina. Sla^^" 

7. In 1683j Seth Sothel, one of the proprietor 



hoiis 
were 
formed I 



164 NORTH CAROLINA. Parti. 

ITOI was appointed chief magistrate. He was avari- 

what is scions, hard-hearted, and tyrannical. He cared not 

seth° for truth, and eagerly plundered the people under 

the cloak of law. The colonists, after having en- 

1689. . , . ' , . ^ 

dured his oppression six years, banished him from 

the colony. 

8. Ludwell, the next governor, and John Arch- 
whatoffl^J^ his successor, were deservedly popular and 
and""^" beloved, for under their administrations the colonists 
daJe? prospered and were happy. 

^j^^j In 1707, a company of French emigrants who 

Imnts had formerly settled in Virginia, arrived in Caro- 
fn'rn? lina. In 1710, they were followed by a -hundred 

and 1710? . . 

German families from the Rhine, who sought 
refuge in the same part of the province, from the 
reliffious persecution which harassed them at 

What ^ ^ 



grant liomc. To each of these the proprietors granted 
one hundred acres of land, upon which they set- 



was 

made to 
them? 



tied and were soon in the enjoyment of ease and 
competency. 
1712. 9. In 1712, the Tuscarora and Coree Indians, 
smarting under recent injuries and alarmed at the 
increase of the white population, formed a conspi- 

Give an r r 7 r 

ofTh? I'^cy for destroying the colony by a general massa- 
cy"form- crc. Twclvc huudrcd warriors united in the plot, 
Tuscaro- aud in the same nio^ht attacked the different set- 

ra and '-' 

fnSs? tlements. Their measures were taken with such 
secrecy, that no alarm was spread until the work 
of death commenced. In one night, one hundred 
and thirty persons were butchered. A few escaped 
and hastened to South Carolina for assistance. 

10. Colonel Barnwell, with nearly a thousand 
men, was immediately sent by Governor Craven to 



Cltap. XII. SEPARATION OF TfTE CAROLINAS. v 



m 



their assistance. After a fatiguing march, the}^ it 13 
met the enemy, defeated them and then entered 
into a treaty of peace. But in a few days the treaty 
was broken and liostilities again commenced. At ^hatis 



lengrth Colonel Moore arrived from South Carolina tile pro- 

~ giess and 

end of 
the war 7 



with forty whites and eight hundred friendly In- 
dians, beseiged them in a fort near Catechny river, 
and took eight hundred prisoners. The remainder 
of the Tuscaroras, in 1713, migrated to the north, 
and joined the Huron confederacy. In 1715, the 
Corees sued for peace, and afterward continued 
friendly. 

11. Until 1729, the two Carolinas had been un- 
der the control of the same proprietors, but they 
were now separated, and royal governments entirely took 



What 
change 



place in 



unconnected with each other established over thf sov- 

• ernment 

each colony. Emigrants constantly arrived from >" i"^' 
the north, and from different parts of Europe; the 
settlements extended far back into the wilderness, 
and the colonists at peace with the Indians, con- 
tinued to enjoy quiet and prosperity until they were 
involved in the troubles of the Revolution. 



166 SOUTH CAROLINA. Parti. 

1670 

CHAPTER XIII. 

SOUTH CAROLINA. 

What is 1. The whole territory of South Carolina was, 
the first as wc liave already stated, includedJn the charter 

colony in •' ' 

Slina? gi'^nted to Lord Clarendon and seven otheis in 
1663. No permanent settlement was made until 
1670, when a company of emigrants sent out by 
. the proprietors, under the direction of William 
SaylCj commenced, on a neck of land between Ash- 
. ley and Cooper rivers, the erection of Old Charles- 
town. 

2. The emigrants had hardly landed, before they 

appointed delegates to their colonial parliament, 

and instituted a government on the basis of liberty. 

^^^^ The colony from this time rapidly increased in 

|!^nt3 population. Within a year after their first arrival, 

soonV- many of the Dutch on account of the conquest of 

ter they 

tuteti a N®^^^ York removed to Charlestown. They were 
go^,f. speedily followed by emigrants from Holland. Pu- 
™'^" ■ ritans in England gladly sought a refuge in Caro- 
lina, where they could avoid the vice of the King's 
licentious court. The tyranny of Louis XIV. in- 
duced many French Protestants to geek a home be- 
yond the Atlantic, where their worship would be 
tolerated, and their civil rights respected. 
What 3. In 1671. Sir John Yeamans was appointed ffov- 

occurred ' . 

mi67u ernor. He brought fiom Barbadoes several African 
slaves ; thus, South Carolina alone of the thirteen 
original States was from its cradle a planting State, 



Chap. XIII. SETH SOTHEL. , 167 

with slave labor. The number of blacks increased leso 
so rapidly, that in a few years they numbered more / 
than the whites, 
y' 4. The situation of Charlestown not being conve- ^hy did 
nient for commercial purposes, most of the inhabit- pie ""re*^" 
ants removed in 1680 to Oyster Point, where they oy?t«'^ 
laid the foundation of the present city of Charles- 
town. The same year the Wistoes, a powerful Ju?rld°fn 
tribe of Indians, commenced hostilities against the jeart"^^ 
whites, but in the following year peace was re- 
stored. • 

5. In 1690, Seth jSothel one of the proprietors, 
who had been previously banished from North Car- Zt^oF 
olina for his corrupt conduct, suddenly appeared at sotheim 
Charlestown, and aided by a large party, assumed 

the reins of government. But his conduct was 
soon found to be intolerable, and in two years he 
was removed from office. 

6. The French Protestants who had been driven ,,,,, ^ . 

why had 

from France by the tyranny of Louis XIV., up to Sench 
the present time, possessed no voice in leg^islative unts^ft 

1 ,. , , .,,. France? 

matters, but now then* good conduct mduced the 
proprietors to extend to them the right of represen- ^^^e. 
tation. This the English settlers strongly opposed, ^^^ 
and such was the general turbulence and disorder Theyre- 
respectinff this and other matters, that in 1695, John fiy^he 

* 1 T , . r^ , English 

Arcndale, a pious (oluaker, was sent over as govern- seuiers? 
or, with authority to redress all grievances. He 
succeeded in restoring order, but was compelled to ^hatis 
exclude the French Protestants from all concern in Ari-"^ 
the legislature. In a few years, however, they were govem- 
admitted to all the rights of citizens and freemen. 

7. In 1702, soon a^ter the commencement of the '^°2. 



16S . SOUTH CAROLINA. Pari I. 

IT02 "''^'^'^' between England and Spain, Governor Moore 
Give an pio|)osed an expedition against the Spanish settle- 

made with 1, 

S! Au- 



of?heex ment at St. Augustine, but the attempt which was 
a|;i''T made with 1,200 men, was entirely unsuccess- 



gustuie. f^ii^ and cost the colony about twenty-six thousand 
dollars. Moore, on his return, to silence the re- 
proaches of the people of Charlestown, marched 
What of with a large force against the Apalachian Indians, 
Sfion^*"' who had at different times manifested their hostihty 
the Apa- to the whites. In this expedition, he was success- 

lachmn ^ . ' 

indians? -f^j]^ ^^^ ^fj-g^. having bumcd many of their towns 
1704. and villages, and sold several of their number as 
slaves, he compelled them to submit to the govern- 
ment of the colony. 

8. According to the constitution, religious liberty 
was to be freely enjoyed by all; but Governor 
Moore, by bribing the voters, succeeded in procuring 
change^ the passage of a law, establishing the Episcopal 
Se^n religion, and excluding dissenters from a seat in the 
maS assembly. The lords, however, disapproved of the 
law, and Queen Anne shortly after declared it void. 
The war between England and Spain still contin- 
s^nish "^^5 ^^^ ^^ 1706, a Spanish squadron appeared off 
Iquadron thc harbor df Charlestown ; but on the enemy at- 
icat""^'" tempting to land, they were driven back with con- 
siderable loss, when they took a final leave of the 
coast. 
1715. 9. The colonists now remained in peace for 
several years, but in 1715 their quiet was broken 

(jive Kn J ' * 

onhe'in- by the horrors of Indian warfare. The Yamassees, 

fiims!'''' a brave and \\;^rhke people inhabiting the interior, 

had long meditated the total destruction of the 

whites. They had engaged in the conspiracy all 



Cliap. XIII. YAMASSEE WAR. 169 

the tribes from Cape Fear to Florida, and in April i^yig 
commenced their attack. Ninety persons were 
massacred at Port Royal, and other attacks no less 
bloody made in different parts of the country. 

10. Governor Craven; at the head of twelve hun- what did 
dred men, marched against the savages, and the ven ac^" 
tide of war was speedily changed. Straggling p^^^- 
parties of the Indians were cut off, and the great 
body of the enemy totally routed in a pitched bat- 
tle at -Saltcatchers. Most of them fled to Florida, 
where they were welcomed by theSpaniards. The 

war with the Yamassees was now closed, and a what 
heavy public debt contracted. The proprietors not di's"co^n-° 
only refused to pay any portion of this debt, which '''''^^■ 
had been incurred in the defense of the colony, but 
deprived the emigrants of the land from which the 
Indians had been driven. 

11. This tyrannical conduct led to frequent conten- 
tions; the emigrants refused to submit to the au- how did 
thority of thfe proprietors, and appointed John Moore tmverey' 
governor in. the name of the king. They shortly 
after obtained a hearing before the king, when it was 
declared the proprietors had forfeited their charter, 

and the colony from thenceforth became a royal 
province. In 1729 it was separated from North '^'^ 
Carolina. From this time to the breaking out of 
the Revolution but little occurred of interest. 

8 



170 GEORGIA. Part I, 

17.3 2 

CHAPTER XIV. 

GEORGIA. 

1. A portion of the territory of Georgia had 
been included in CaroHna, but previous to the sur- 
render of that charter, no settlement had been made 
in the country. In 1732, a number of benevolent 
pian'^was gentlemen in England formed the plan of planting 
in 1732? the sunny clime vvith those, who, in England, had 
neither land nor shelter, and those on the conti- 
nent to whom, as Protestants, bigotry denied free- 
dom of worship at home. 
"WThatis 2. At the head of this company stood James 
Ogle" Oglethorpe, a member of the British parliament, a 
man of a heroic mind and merciful disposition. 
Through his influence a charter was obtained in 
SiVdid ^^^2 ^i"otn George II., erecting the country between 
ceivl^ the Savannah and Altamaha, due west to the Pacific, 
almge into the province of Georgia, and placing it for twen- 
ty-one years under the guardianship of a corporation 
" in trust for the poor." In November of the same 
year, Oglethorpe, with about one hundred and twen- 
town ty emio^rants, sailed for America, and on their arri- 

was set- J o ■ J ? 

17^^?" val commenced the foundation of their town, on 
the high bluff where now stands Savannah. 

3. In the following June, the chiefs of the Creek 
nation assembled at Savannah, and bade the stran- 

the In- grers welcome to the lands which their nation did 

dians re- ~ 

llitiJaf ^^^ "*^- ^^^® ^^ them in token of sincerity, laid 
eight bundles of buck-skins at Ogsethorpe's feet ; 



Chap. XIV. WESLEY— WHITFIELD. 171 

a treaty of peace was signed, by which the English 1^33 
claimed sovereignty over the land of the Creeks 
as far south as St. Johns, and the chieftains depart- 
ed loaded with presents. 

4. The poverty and indolence of the new settlers, 
most of whom were the refuse of cities, for a time 
prevented the colony from prospering, but on the 
trustees extendino^ their invitation, which hadhere- 
tofore been confined to the poor and persecuted, to the next 

r 1 ' company 

all who might wish to settle in Georgia, a large "^^^^f'' 
number from Scotland, Germany, and Switzerland, tr'omthe 
of a more respectable class, joined the colony, which 
from this time assumed a more flourishing condi- 
tion. In the regulations adopted by the trustees, what 
the introduction of ardent spirits was prohibited, Ihey ^^^ 
and no slaves were allowed in the colony. 

5. Oglethorpe in 1734, after a residence in Amer- nse. 
ica of about fifteen months, sailed for Eno^land. In ,,,^ ^ 

' "^ What 

1736, he again returned to his colony, with a new "ympany 
company of three hundred emigrants, among whom witT** 
were John and Charles Wesley. John Wesley came thorpe? 
out as a minister of the gospel, but his severe habits 
of conduct and opinion brought him into difficul- 
ties, and at the end of the year he returned home. 

6. Two years after, Georsre Whitfield, another Forwhat 

«' ; o 7 purpose 

eminent divine, came to Georgia, for the purpose whu- 
of founding an asylum, where orphan children could come to 
be educated in the knowledge of Christianity. The 
house, during his life, did not flourish, and after his whatdid 
death was entirely abandoned. thor'pe 

'' do on the 

On the commencement of the war in 1739 be- ^^^^ 
tween England and Spain, Oglethorpe received a fheEng 
commission as general in the British army, and at Spanish 



1^2 GEORGIA. p,^^^ I, 

1140 th^ head of two thousand men, from Virginia and 

the Carolinas, marched against. Florida. Two 

Spanish forts were taken, but meeting with so ob- 

with stinate a resistance in his attack upon St. Augus- 

Tuccess? tine, he was compelled to raise the siege and return 

to Georgia. 

Give an 7. Two jears afterward, the Spanish government 

spaSs^h ^^ retaliation resolved on invading Georgia. It 

t^on^*^'' collected its forces at Cuba, and a large fleet sailed 

Georgia, toward the mouth of the St. Mary's. Oglethorpe 

j^^2 having been informed of the proposed invasion, 

made preparations for a vigorous defense. He as- 

SioPpfe sembled his forces consisting of about seven hun- 

mente. drcd iiien at Frederica, on the island of St. Simon, 

and awaited the attack. 

8. On the last of June, the Spanish fleet of thirty- 
six vessels, having on board about three thousand 
men, entered St. Simon's harbor. And notwith- 
standing the resistance of General Oglethorpe, 
sailed up the river Altamaha, and landed upon the 
farther island. Li attempting^ to advance toward Freder- 

acconnt i ~ 

waJ^^ ica by a road leading through a morass and dense 
wood, the Spaniards fell into an ambush, which had 
been prepared for them, and were compelled to re- 
treat with the loss of nearly two hundred men. 
The swamp from that time received the name of 
'' The Bloody Marsh." 
^j^^j 9. Despairing of success, and weakened by divi- 

Je^uit'^of sions— deceived, too, by an ingenious stratagem — 
difion?^" the Spaniards, early in July, re-embarked leaving a 
quantity of ammunition and guns behind them. 
Thus was Georgia delivered, with a trifling loss, 
from the horrors of a bloody invasion. The Span- 



said in 
cotTclu- 
sion of 



Chap. xiy. Oglethorpe's return. 173 

iards were so mortified at the result of the expedi- 1743 
tioii, that the commander on his return was tried 
by a court martial, and dismissed from the service. 

10. In the following year, Oglethorpe returned what is 
to England, never again to behold the colony, with 
which the disinterested toils of ten years had i^leu-^Je-^^ 
tified his fame. For ten years longer, the colony 
remained under the management of the trustees, 
but their regulations were often unwise, and created 

. 1752 

much dissatisfaction. At length in 1752, they sur- 
rendered their charter to the crown, and Georgia what 

' ^ change 

became a royal province, having the same govern- ^^^^ ;„ 
ment as the Carolinas. emment? 



174 FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. Parti. 

IT 48 

CHAPTER XV. 

\ FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 

What IS 1. After long years of strife, of repose, and of strife 
I^oiaIv icnewed, England and France agreed to be at peace. 
peUeY The treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, concluded between 
those two nations in 1748, for a time restored tran- 
quillity to America. That treaty was negotiated by 
the ablest statesmen in Europe. They believed 
themselves the arbiters of mankind, the pacifica- 
tors of the world, and supposed they were estabHsh- 
X ing the colonial system on a basis which would 
endure for ages. 
Where ^- ^^ ^^^ ^^^^^^ ^^ ^^^^ coiigress of Aix-la-Chapelle, 
wTsh- the w^oods of Virginia sheltered the youthful George 
bom, and Washins^ton. Born by the side of the Potomac, 

what is ® -^ ' 

wi'^ early beneath the roof of a Westmoreland farmer, al- 
'''^- most from infancy his lot had been the lot of an or- 
phan. No academy had welcomed him to its shades ; 
no college crowned him with its honors ; to read, to 
write, to cipher, these had been his degrees in know- 
ledge. And now at sixteen years of age, in quest of an 
honest maintenance, encountering incredible toil, 
wandering over the Alleghanies and along the banks 
of the Shenandoah, among skin-clad savages, with 
their scalps and rattles— hold ing a bearskin a splendid 
couch, this stripling surveyor in the woods, with no 
companion but his unlettered associates, and no im- 
plements of science but his compass and chain, con- 



Chap. XV. CAUSES OP THE WAR. 175 

trasted strongly with the imperial magnificence of 17^53 
the congress of Aix-la-Chapelie. 

3. And yet God had chosen not Kaunitz nor 
Newcastle, not a monarch of the house of Haps- 
burgh nor of Hanover, but the Virginia stripling to hi^'aiter 
give an impulse to human affairs, and as far as 
events can depend on an individual, had placed 

the rights and destinies of countless millions in the 
keeping of the widow's son. Yes, the voice of that 
boy was soon to be heard in the din of battle, and 
the mind of that stripling surveyor, strengthened 
and matured by years, was to guide the steps of 
his suffering country through a long and bloody 
war, and finally lay the foundation of tiie noblest 
structure of human freedom ever designed by man. 

4. The colonists had but short time to reap the 
benefits of peace, after the conclusion of the tieaty y^^^",,,ar 
already referred to, w^hen their prospects Avere again cS'^®" 
clouded, and the sound of approaching war filled Fmnce? 
the land with anxiety and gloom. After an inter- 
val of about eight years, from 1748 to 1756, Great 
Britain formally declared war against France. 

5. The causes leading to this war were the 
alleged encroachments of the French on the fron- \f^f^ 
tiers of the colonies in America belon2:ina^ to the 
English crown. The possessions of the French in the what 
north reached from the mouth of the St. Lawrence extent of 

the 

to Montreal ; and they had erected trading houses ^laimV 

on Lake Ontario. They had planted New Orleans 

on the south, and bavins;' discovered the Missi'ssip- Sev i?/'^ 

.-,.,, ^ ^ , , • tend to 

pi, claimed the vast tract of country watered by it [^o|^'|j.ect 
and its tributary streams. At length they deter- ';°a ''*"'" 
mined to connect their northern and southern pos- settte^™ 

menu? 



What 
clauses 
led to 
this war? 



176 FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. p^j.^, i. 

1153 sessions, by a line of posts extending along the 

fiontieis of the English, from Lake Ontario to the 

Ohio, and down the Ohio and Mississippi, to New 

Orleans. 

What 6. While busily engaged in the prosecution of 

fi^"Eng- this desiffn, a company of traders from London and 

lishre- ^,. . . ° ' . r . 1 ^ , , . r • 

from the * n'&^ii^^ havHig obtained oi the king a grant oi six 
king? hundred thousand acres of land, on and near the 
Ohio river, erected trading houses there for the pur- 
pose of carrying on tl^ fur trade with the Indians. 
Sient "^^^^ governor of Canada, fearing that the plan of 
fofiowef this company might prevent their communication 
part of between Canada and Louisiana, seized some of 
French? thcsc traders, and sent them prisoners to Canada. 

7. The company complained bitterly of this en- 
croachment on their rights to Governor Dinwiddle, 
of Virginia, who immediately sent a letter to the 

French Frcnch commaudaut, to demand the reason of this 

com- 

mandant, hostllc couduct, and to suuimon the French to 

and by ' 

whom? eyacuate the forts in that region. This message 
was intrusted to George Washington, who, at the 
age of twenty-one, began that line of service which 
ended in the independence of his country. 

8. On the 31st of October, he left Williamsburg, 
Virginia, to proceed on his dangerous journey. The 

?icoun? distance he was obliged to travel, through the forests 
Jour'ney. and ovcr the most rugged parts of the Alleghanies, 
was about five hundred and sixty miles. On the 
way, his horse failed ; he nevertheless proceeded 
with a single companion on foot, with a gun in his 
hand, and his shoulder burthened with a pack. On 
the 13th of December, he reached the French fort. 



What 
messa^re 
was sent 



CKap.XV. FORT NECESSITY. 177 

on French creek, and delivered his letter to the J754. 
commander. 

9. In a few days he received his answer and re- ^^iiiit 

turned to Williamsburg. The reply of the com- repySr 

mandant was, that l\e had taken possession of the French 

^ corn- 

country, under the direction of the governor-general mamiant? 

of Canada, to whom he would transmit the mes- -^vhat 

sage, and whose orders he should obey. This re- ue^l"'^^ 

ply not being satisfactory, the British ministry, on c^n^e 

being made acquainted with the determination of aLwJr? 

the French, instructed the Virginians to resist the 

encroachments by force of arms. 

10. Troops were accordingly raised in Virginia, 
which were joined by an independent company 
from South Carohna, amounting in all to about 
four hundred men. The command of the expedi- 
tion was given to Washington, who in April, 1754, ^^!^-^^^ 
marched into the territory in dispute. Meeting at peduion. 
Great Meadows a French force that had been sent 

out to intercept his retreat, he attacked and de- 
feated them. At this place he erected Fort 'Neces- 
sity, and after having been reinforced with troops 
from New York and Carolina, he proceeded toward diJ'^hf 
Fort Du Quesne, situated at the confluence of the p'^'^"^'^- 
Alleghany and Monongahela rivers. 

11. Hearing that De Villiers was approaching 
from this fort at the head of nine hundred men, he 
thought best to retire to Fort Necessity and await 
reinforcements. Here the enemy, one thousand SS 
five hundred strong, soon appeared, and commenced 

a furious attack on the fort. After an engagement 
of several hours, De Villiers offered honorable terms 



178 FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 



Part I. 



17 5^ of capitulation, which Washington accepted, and 

returned with his troops to Virginia. 

For what l^- lu the samc year, delegates from seven of the 

diTdefe- colonies assembled at Albany for the purpose of 

ITmII- foii^ii^g ^ treaty of friendship \yith the Six Nations. 

"^- After accomplishing this business, they proceeded to 

• adopt a pla7i of union, similar in its construction to 

the present Constitution of the United States, to be 

submitted to the colonial legislatures and to parha- 

whatis ment for their approval. This plan was rejected 

the pbn by parliament, because they considered it ffave too 

posed? ^uch power to the people. It was rejected by the 

colonies, because it placed too much power in the 

hands of the king. 

How did 13. England was already jealous of the colonial 

Edy*^ assembhes, and saw in them a spirit which, unless 

colonies? chccked in its embryo state, might soon become too 

powerful for h ir control. 

The colonies having failed in their plan of union, 

England determined to carry on the war with the 

French, which was now inevitable, with her own 

troops, aided by such of the colonists as chose to 

join them. 

When 14. In the sprinsr of 1754, General Braddock 

did Gen. • r n i 

dockar- arrived from Ireland, with a large force of English 
whatl"'^ troops, with the authority of commander-in-chief 
him? over the English and colonial forces in America. 
Shortly after his arrival, the governors of the sev- 
eral provinces met at his request to make arrange- 
what ments for the ensuing campaign. Three expedi- 
wele're^ ^ious wcre resolved on, one against Fortdu Quesne, 
upon*? to be commanded by Braddock ; a second against 



Cliap. XV. BRADDOCK's DEFEAT. 179 

Niagara, under Goveinoi Shiilej^ ; and a third 1754, 
against Crown Point, under Geneial Johnson. 

15. VVhile preparations were making for these ^vhat 
expeditions, a plan, wiiich had been previously pianTas 
formed for attacking the French in Nova Scotia, t^^i^en? 
was carried into effect. In May, Gens. Monckton 

and Winslow at the head of about three thousand 
men sailed from Boston, and in June ariived at 
their place of destination. The resistance of the 
enemy was slight, and the English in a short time 
gained possession of the whole province, with the 
loss of only three men. 

16. The preparations of General Braddock in whywas 
Yirg-inia proceeded slowly, owinff to the difliculty dockde- 
01 obtaimng horses, wagons, and provisions, so that 'I's pre- 
it was on the tenth of June before he was able to *'°"^' 
leave Fort Cumberland. Wishing to proceed as 
rapidly as possible tow^ard Fort du Q.uesne, he 
marched on with twelve hundred troops, leaving 

the baggage under the command of Col. Dimbar, 
with directions to follow as rapidly as possible, 

17. Braddock was a brave man, possessed of 

•1- 1 -.1 1 1 1 • 1 • What is 

great military skill ; but educated in the science ^^jj o^" 
of war as then taught in Euiope, he knew Jbut lit- Jock", 
tie of Indian warfare. He was strict in the camp, 
but his strictness was tinctured with severity, and 
his severity approached to arrogance. Unfortu- 
nately for him, he entertained the most supreme 
contempt for the colonial troops, and the advice of heuetf 
the American officers ; so that when Washington, vice of- 

' » ' fered by 

who was his aid-de-camp, suggested the propriety ^^^^^^^ 
of employing the Indians as scouting and advance 
parties, he disdained tiie advice, wliich, if followed, 



180 FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. p.^^j I^ 

1T55 would have saved his army, and changed a shame- 
ful defeat into a glorious victory. 

18. Taking none of the necessary precautions to 
What insure his safety, on the 9th of July, within a few 
co'L' " miles of the fort, he fell into an ambush of French 

quenceof itt mi-riTi • i 

his rash- and liidiaos. Ihe bnglish troops, panic struck as 
they heard the war-whoop of the Indians, broke their 
ranks, and would have fled, but Braddock rallied 
them and* sought to preserve a regular order of bat- 
tle ; thus were they kept cooped up like sheep — fair 
marks for their unseen enemy. 

19. The slaua^hter was dreadful. Every oflicer 
thewi ^^ horseback excepting Washington was shot 
^^- down; and he, riding over every part of the field, 

had two horses shot under him, and four balls 
lodged in his coat. The Indians afterward assert- 
ed that they had repeatedly fired at him with rifles 
which never missed the mark before ; but at length 

Wash- they were convinced that he was shielded by the 

dJfS Great Spirit, and that no balls could harm him. 

tie' God preserved his life to be a leader in the great 
struggle of his country for liberty. 

^^ „ , 20. Braddock, undismayed amid the continual 

Of Brad- ' •' ^ 

dock? shower of bullets, encouraged his men by his coun- 
tenance and example. At length, after having had 
three horses shot under him, he received a mortal 
\vTiat wound. After his fall, the regular troops fled in 
a^my ^ coufusiou, and were only saved from complete de- 
SuSion? struction by the coolness of the. bravest provincials 
under the command of Washington, who covered 
their retreat. Sixty-four officers out of eighty-five, 
?y w^e" and more than half of the privates were killed or 
wound" wounded. The army continued to retreat until 

ed» "^ 



Clxap. XV. CROWN POINT. 181 



1155 



it reached Fort Cumberland. Col. Dunbar, on 
whom the command devolved, then withdrew the 
regulars to Philadelphia, leaving the frontiers of 
Virginia exposed to the attack of the French and 
Indians. 

21. The expedition against Niagara, under Gov- what is 



said of 



ernor Shirley, met with so many delays, that they [I'-^^j.^.j"^" 
did not reach Oswego until late in August, and mSara? 
then the autumnal rains setting in, and the Indian 
allies deserting the camp. Governor Shirley thought 
it expedient to relinquish the design. 

22. The troops for the expedition against Crown ^hatof 
Point, numbering about six thousand, under the duion^^' 
command of General Johnson, assembled in Albany CTown 

11 Point? 

the last of June, where they were jomed by the 
Mohawks under their sachem Hendrick. In July 
they were collected at the carrying place, between 
the Hudson river and Lake George, under General 
Lyman, the second in command, when a small fort 
was built and named Fort Edward. In the latter 
part of Auffust, General Johnson arrived, and tak- firthe?^ 

. 1 said of it? 

ing command, removed his forces to the head of 
Lake George,, for the purpose of attacking a fort 
which the enemy were erecting at Ticonderoga. 

23. Shortly after his arrival at this place, he was 
attacked by the Baron Dieskau, who, at the head 
of two thousand French and Indians, was proceed- 
ing from Crown Point to attack Fort Edward, when 

he received intelligence of the position of Johnson, iSkai'^ 
arid changed his route to surprise him. The sud- hi'^'i'oute? 
denness of the attack at first caused the Americans 
to waver ; but soon rallying, they repulsed the foe 
with great slaughter. The Baron, pale and bleed- 



1^<^ FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 



Part I. 



Of his 
army? 



1755 if^g", was found by a soldier near the close of the 
battle, sitting against a tree. While feeling in his 
pocket for his watch for the purpose of surrender- 
^va8^he ing it, tlic soMicr, supposing him to be in search 
Dieskau? of a pistol, fired and killed him. The poor re- 
mains of his army halted in its flight at French 
mountain, where they were the next day cut off by 
a detachment from Fort Edward, and their dead 
bodies thrown into a lake, since called the " Bloody 
Pond." General Johnson having left garrisons, at 
Forts WiUiam Henry and Edward, retired to Albany 
and dispersed his army to their respective provinces. 
24. Although this bloody warfare had continued 
i7t,6. for a considerable length of time in America, war 
was not formally declared by Great Britain until 

When , '' •' 

ftlrmaTiy' ^^7? l^^^j ^^^ ^Y France until the following 
declared? n^Quth. At a councll of governors held in Albany^ 
What it was determined to raise from the several colonies 
termined twcnty-ouc tliousand men, and to direct their en- 

atacoun- , . 

ernmlTn ^^'gi^^ durlug the year toward the reduction of 
Albany? Qj.q^^-j^ Polnt, Niagara, and Fort du Quesne. 



What 25. Lord Loudon was appointed by the crown 

com- * • •' 

were ap- commander-iu-chief of all forces in America ; but 
pointed.! Q^yjj^g iQ necessary delay. General Abercrombie 
preceded him and took the command. Abercrombie 
arrived in June, but thinking the forces in readi- 
ness too small for the emergency, deemed it pru- 
dent to await the arrival of Loudon, which took 
Zid^Jf place in July. Both ofl[icers were inefficient, and 
cersV^ by their delays allowed the French not only time 
to strengthen their posts, but to attack those of tlie 
English. 
26. Early inAugust, the Marquis Montcalm crossed 



Chap. XV. FORT WILLIAM HENRY. 183 

Lake Ontario, with more than five thousand 1750 
French and Indians, and with between thirty and ^.-^^ ^^ 
forty pieces of cannon, attacked Foit Ontario on orAiollt- 
the east side of the river, at Oswego. Tlie o^arrison expecii- 
in a short time, finding their nmiiber reduced to 
fourteen hundred men, and their commander, Col. 
Mercer slain, were forced to capitulate. One hun- U^^'did 
dred and thirty-four pieces of cannon, with a large lish ^it- 
amount of military stores and several ships in thej^rton- 

•^ r tai 10 .' 

harbor, fell into the hands of the enemy. 

27. In June 1757, Lord Loudon sailed from New 1757. 
York, with six thousand reg-ular troops, to attempt what is 
the capture of Louisburg. On the 30th of the same {^^[f^^n's 
month, he arrived at Halifax, where he was rein- tiorfn" 
forced by a naval armament under Admiral Hol- 
burn, but learning that a French fleet had arrived why did 

' => , he abau- 

and that the fort was strongly garrisoned, he aban- '^o" ^^■ 
doned the expedition, and returned to New York. 

28. In the mean time, Montcalm had collected his JJ^ 
forces at Ticonderoga, marched against Fort Wil- ca?m" 
liam Henry, and compelled it to surrender. The gar- {f,^^*^*^" 
rison were to be allowed to march out with the hon- what is 

s;iid of 

ors of war, and rejoin their countrymen ; but remie^'of 
the Indians violated the stipulation, and butchered fJam^'^" 
a great number of them. It is said that Mont-"*!"'^" 

® Of the 

calm endeavored to prevent the massacre, but he «? "llefn- 
was held responsible for the act, and there was ac- mo"''"'^ 
cordingly arousedi n the breast of the colonists a 
deep thirst for vengeance that called for more vigor- 
ous measures against the enemy. 

29. Hitherto, disaster and disgrace had marked 
most of the operations against tlie French, espe- 
cially on the part of the English officns and tlieir 



lont- 
calm ? 



IS4 FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 



Part I. 



IT 5 8 troops. The British nation. was indignant at the 
■What mismanagement of the war, and the king was 
wa's"^^ obliged to change his councils. William Pitt 
i£h ff-^' (afterward Lord Chatham) was intrusted with the 
(vhy?''"'^ public helm. His active mind and enterprising 
genius, seemed to be infused throughout the 
srti/of^ empire, through the senate and the people, the 
army and the navy. •Lord Loudon was recalled, 
and General Abercrombie appointed commander- 
in-chief. 
^edkions ^^- Three expeditions were planned ; one of 
placed? twelve thousand men against Louisburg ; one of 
sixteen thousand against Ticonderoga and Crown 
Point ; and one of eight thousand, against Fort 
du Q,uesne. 
Give an Ou the cxpeditiou against Louisburg, Admiral 
of Ajmi Boscawen sailed from Halifax, May 28th, with a 
3xpeTi-' fleet of thirty-eight armed vessels, and an army 
^'°"' of twelve thousand men under the command of 

Gen. Amherst. 
What is 3L On the 26th of July, after a vigorous resist- 
the sur- ance this fortress was surrendered, and with it five 

render of ' 

bmg?" thousand seven hundred and thirty-seven prisoners 
of war, and one hundred and twenty cannon, be- 
sides which the French lost five ships of the line 

What is ^"^ ^^^"^' fiigates. Duiing this siege Wolfe served 

wiife? next in command to Amherst, and displayed those 
traits of character which afterward covered his 
name with glory. 

With 32. In the mean time, General Abercrombie, at 

ny'"il" the head of 15,000 men, 9,000 of whom were pro- 
did Aber- 1 } 1 i 

ma'^h^ vincials, was advancing against Ticonderoga. On 
Ticmfde the 5th of July, he embarked on Lake George, and 

roea .! _ 



Chap. XV. FORT DU aUESNE. . 185 

on the following morning landed near the head of j^^g 
the lake, and proceeded through the woods with ^vj^at 
great difficulty toward the fortress. On approach- Kuke? 
ing the fort, a skirmish ensued in which Lord Howe j^'ifgY^^f 
was killed. Respected and beloved by the whole mShas 
army, his death threw them into confusion, and j.roLh'ed 

•^ ' . ^ the Ibi t ? 

they fell back to the landing-place ; but on the 8th what ef- 
they pressed on with all their force to attack the ifis death 

produce ? 

fort. 

33. After a fierce and bloody contest of more 
than four hours, and a loss of two thousand men, describe 

' ' the sec- 

Abercrombie was obliged to raise the siege and re- "i^*" 

tire to the head of Lake George. From this place 

he dispatched Col. Bradstreet with an army of three sIm oi 

• T^ T-i -1 theexpe- 

tliousand men agamst h ort r rontenac, situated on '(l'^|'^|| °/ 
the present site of Kingston, at the outlet of Lake 2'eet 
Ontario. He crossed the lake from Oswego, and rort"^ 
in two days compelled the fort to surrender. Nine '■'f'^ 
armed v^essels, and a large quantity of stores and 
goods, were a portion of the reward reaped by the 
gallant soldiers. 

34. The expedition as^ainst Fort du Q^uesne, of the 

. . ' expedi- 

consisting of nine thousand men. left Philadelphia fo". , 

~ ' I against 

early in July, under the command of General Q°JesJe? 
Forbes. The French attacked an advance party 
under Major Grant and killed three hundred men ; 
but as General Forbes with the main body of the 
army approached, the enemy deserted the fort and 
fled in boats down the Ohio. Possession was taken 
of the fort next day, and in honor of Mr. Pitt, its 
name was changed to Pittsburgh. The Indians ^^.j^^^^ 
from the West soon after concluded a treaty of w^/uien 
neutrality with the Eno^lish, and the campaio^n witTthe 

O ' I to Indians} 



186 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. Parti. 



t759 closed with more honor and benefit to the EngHsh 
than any preceding one. 

35. The campaign of 1758 had been so success- 
ful, that the vigorous mind of Pitt marked out a 
bold plan for the ensuing year worthy his great 
genius. It was the dispossessing the French of the 
whole of their American territory. To effect this 
desii^n, three laro^e armies were to be led at the same 

■What . '^ ' * 

pSiona ^^*^^ against three of their strongest posts. One, un- 
pilnned d^r General Wolfe, was to ascend the St. Lawrence 
cam- and lay sieo^e to (Quebec ; the second, under General 

paign of ^ 

1759? Amherst, was to attack Ticonderoga and Crown 
Point, and then by the way of Lake Champlain 
and the St. Lawrence, unite with the forces of 
Wolfe ; and the third, after the reduction of Niagara, 
was to proceed down Lake Ontario and the St. 
Lawrence and attack Montreal. 
What is ^^- General Prideaux, who commanded the ex- 
Sex- pedition against Niagara, reached that fort on the 
a?ain°t" 6th of July, by the way of Oswego, and com- 
menced the siege. Near the beginning of the attack 
he was killed by the bursting of a shell, and the 
command devolved on Sir William Johnson. Soon 
. after, he met twelve hundred French and Indians, 
who were marching to the relief of the place. He 
defeated them and immediately gained possession 
of the fort. 
Of the 37. General Amherst, who had been appointed 
agJiiist to the command of the expedition asrainst Ticon- 

Ticonde- . . 

roga? deroga, arrived before that place with about 11,000 
men on the 22d of July. It was immediately 
abandoned by the enemy. Having strengthened 



Chap. XV. 



SIEGE OP aUEBEC 



187 



Arainst 
Quebec? 



Ticoiideroga, the army next proceeded against 1159 
Crown Point, and took quiet possession of it, the 
enemy having fled to the Isle aux Noix. 

38. Tiie expedition against Quebec, under the 
command of General Wolfe, was the most daring of 
any in the records of English warfare, and its con- 
quest might almost be considered a miracle of war. 
Nature and art seemed to have combined to render 
the fortress impregnable. So great was its strength 
that it was rightly called the Gibraltar of America. 
Yet the daring mind of Pitt had planned its con- 
quest and selected to carry out those plans the 
brave and gallant Wolfe. The result showed that 
he was not mistaken in the character of the man. 

39. Embarking at Louisburg with eight thou- 
sand men, under convoy of Admirals Saunders and 
Holmes, Wolfe landed with his troops in the latter 
part of June on the island of Orleans, a little below 
Quebec. Here he reconnoitered the position of the 
enemy, and could easily perceive the difficulties 
with which he had to contend. Before him arose 



Who had 
planned 
the expe- 
dition ; 



VTCINITy OF aUEBEC. 



Quebec is situated at the 
confluence of the river St. 
Charles with the St. Lawrence, 
about 400 miles from the ocean. 
It has a deep, safe, and capa- 
cious harbor, sufficient to con- 
tain one hundred sail of the 
line. It was an immense for- 
tification, situated on a high 
rock, and stiongly fortified, both 
by nature and art. From its 
great strength, it was rightly 
called the Gibraltar of America. 
The appearance of the English 
army before its walls, gave the 
French but little uneasiness, 
for they considered the place 
impregnable. A more minute 
description of the place is given 
in the following page, in the 
account of its capture by 
WoJfe. 



Montm 




'-fe/'eB. 



tion and 
stren£,'th 
of tiue- 
bec. 



188 FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. Parti. 

1159 Quebec, situated on the north side of the St. Lavv- 

Describe I'^nce, and divided into an upper and lower town. 

thesitua- ^Q rpj^g lower town was situated between the 
river and a lofty eminence running parallel with 
the river far to the westward. The upper town 
-was situated upon a large plain Avhich spread out 
on the top of this eminence. Below or east of 
the city, the river St. Charles flowed into the St 
Lawrence, its mouth guarded by armed vessels. A 
short distance farther down, is the river Montmo- 
rency ; and between these, two rivers reaching from 

Where quc to the Other, and in the citv was encamped the 

was the ' » ^ 

Trmy'^en- Frcnch army of thirteen thousand men under the 

campe ? (.Q|^^j^a|-jf| Qf MoUtcalm. 

What 41. Wolfe took possession of Point Levi, on the 

ment^did bank of the river opposite Quebec, and with bat- 
make? ^gj-j^g ^^hich hc crccted there, destroyed the lower 
town, but the distance was so great that no effect 
could be produced on the chief defenses of the city. 
Wolfe, therefore, determined to leave this position, 
cross the St. Lawrence and land below Mont- 
morency, and then passing that river to attack the 
French general in his intrenchments. 
wSone 42. Accordingly on the 31st of July, General 
3ilt of Monckton with a large number of troops, crossed 
the river and effected a landing a short distance 
above the Montmorency, w^here they were to be 
joined by Generals Town send and Murray, who 
were to ford the stream at low water. But the 
Zi'^^ot English grenadiers galled by the fire of the French 
iShfrc^n- artillery, rushed tumultuously up toAvard the in- 
trenchments without waiting for the troops who 
were to sustain them. Their courage proved their 



Chap. X\\ SIEGE OF aUKBEC. 189 

ruin, for a close and well-directed tire from the 1759 
enemy cut. them down in great numbers. They ^^^^y^^^^ 
fell back in confusion, after sustaining a loss of five 7oS-^ 
hundred men, night approached, a heavy thunder- ^y^h^. 
storm set in, and Wolfe was compelled to give up ^'^"^^=*- 
the attack, and withdraw his troops. 

43. Disappointed thus far, and worn down with 
fatigue and marching. General Wolfe fell violently .)aia''of 
sick. Scarcely had he recovered, however, before wdte? 
he proceeded to put in operation a plan he had 
formed on his sick bed. This was to gain the [;]f" ^^^'^ 
heights of Abraham, and draw Montcalm to a gene- o*n"h?3^ 

1 mi T»;r sick bed? 

ral engagement. 1 he camp at Montmorency was 
broken up, and the troops and artillery removed to 
Point Levi, while to conceal their intention, the 
admiral retired a number of miles up the river. 

44. On the night of the 12th of September, the How was 
troops in boats glided silently down the river, and executed? 
landed within a mile and a half of the city, an hour 
before day-break. Wolfe leaped on the shore fol- 
lowed by his men, and immediately began to as- 
cend the precipice. The guards were dispersed, 

and by the dawn of day, Wolfe with his little army ][!i",l,'^ 
of five thousand men stood on the heights of Abra- woV? 
ham, in bold defiance of Montcalm and his over- * 
whelming force. That was a proud moment for 
the leader of those gallant troops, but little did he 
dream as he thought of the coming conflict, that 
before night his body would be stretched cold in 
death on that bloody field. 

45. Montcalm could hardly credit his own senses, what is 

-^ ' said of 

as he beheld the firm battalions of the Enghsh H'^^] 
army drawn up in battle array on so advantageous 



190 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. p^j.^ j. 



17 59 3- position. He saw that an engagement was inev- 
itable, for unless they could be driven from their 
position, Quebec was lost. "1 see them," said he, 
" where they ought not to be, but since we must 
fight, I will go and crush them." And immediately 
with his whole army, he crossed the river and ad- 
vanced to the attack. 

46. Wolfe, in the beginning of the battle, was 
struck by a musket ball in the wrist, but binding 

sIK/ his handkerchief around it, he continued to encour- 
during asfc hls uieu. Shortly after he received another 

the bat- ^ ^ . / 

*''^- ball in the groin ; this he also concealed, placed 
himself at the head of his grenadiers, and was 
leading them to the charge, when he received a 
mortal wound. Col. Monckton was dangerously 
wounded by his side, and the command devolv^ed 

omont- upon Townsend. About the same time, Montcalm 
received a mortal wound, and his second in com- 
mand also fell. 

47. Wolfe, on receiving his last wound, was car- 
ried to the rear of the line ; there, leaning on the 
arm of an officer for support, he was seized with the 

Describe agouics of death. At this moment was heard the 
momenu dlstaut shout, " T/w^ fly^ they fly ! " The dying 
two com- hero raised his droopino^ head, and easrerly asked, 

manders. r o i o J 7 

"Who fly?" On being told, "The French," 
"Then," he replied, "Idle happy;" and expired. 
Montcalm lived to be carried to duebec, and when 
informed that his wound was mortal, he repUed, "I 
shall not then live to see the surrender of Q,uebec." 

■W'heii 

ciry^^sur- Flvc days after the battle the city surrendered. An 
render? j^gi^ipi^ ^y^s made by the French to retake it in 
1760. the following spring, but it was unsuccessful. 



Chap. XVI. TREATY OF PEACE; 191 

48. Shortly after, they were compelled to evacu- it63 

ate Montreal, and were driven from all the important 

posts in Canada. In 1763 a treaty of peace was con- when 

eluded in Paris, by which France ceded to Great pea^ce 
•^ con- 

Britain all her northern settlements in America. ^Ilj^^^^at 

The bloody war which had so long raged upon the cS to 

American frontiers, was at length closed, and the Bnuin? 



provincial soldiers returned to their homes to enjoy what^ 
a short respite of peace before they again took the ^i,l\„], 
field. The next struggle in which we shall see pro\^n 
them engaged, will be the struggle for liberty against tiiers? 
the tyranny of England. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

CAUSES OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



1. We are now to detail the causes of events, what 
the most interestino^ of any in the history of the hive we 
world ; the overthrow of tyranny and despotism in ^^^'^i^- 
the United Colonies, and the erection there of an 
altar, sacred to liberty. A dark cloud had hung 
over the nations of the Old World for more than a was the 

condition 

thousand years. The rulers were the rich and the wSfd^^** 
great, and the rod of empire was swayed by them 5he"Rev- 
with no gentle hand. The groans of the down-°"'°" 
trodden and oppressed arose faintly through tlie 
gloom which surrounded them, yet they entered 
the ear of the Most High, and he, in his own good 



192 CAUSES OF THE REVOLUTION. p^^t I. 

1^6^ time formed a plan for the civil and religious 

emancipation of the world. 
yy^^^ 2. A new era was to commence in the West. 
b^sVif The link, which for ages had bound England to 
emment Amcrlca, bv the corrodinsT influence of evil minis- 

nowtobe ' '' ^ 

fhe^veit? ^^1*^? ^^^^ to be broken ; a new government was to 

be formed, based on the principles of justice to all, 

in which the voice of the lowest as well as the 

highest could be heard. 

What 3. The causes of the great American Revolution, 

cruTes'of which ended in the firm establishment of our lib- 

the Rev- • i . i • i i 

oiution? erties, lay m the jealousy, tyranny, and oppression 

What is ^^ t^^^ English government. The British king, 

SbS- hke Rehoboamj " forsook the council which the old 

ish ing? ^^^^^ gave him, and took council with the young 

men, that were brought up with him, that stood 

before him," and, in effect, said to the colonies, 

" Whereas my father put a heavy yoke upon you, 

I will put more to your yoke : my father chastised 

you with whips, but I will chastise you with scor- 

whatdid pions." And " when the people saw that the king 

SedoT would not hearken unto them, they took council 

among themselves, and a shout went up from 

every hill and valley, city and hamlet, mountain 

and plain, from the rock of Plymouth, to the 

lagoons of Florida, 'J^o your tents, O Israel !' " 

What 4. They had freely expended their blood and 

SioiSfs treasure for the maintenance of the power of the 

the Brit- British crown. They had rushed to the battle-field 

ish "^ 

crown? ^j^(j endured every hardship, when the home gov- 
ernment demanded their aid, and then patiently 
submitted to manifest wrong from the very hand 
their loyalty and prowess had strengthened. They 



Cliap. XVI. SYSTEM OF TAXATION. 193 

had ever regarded England with reverence and j^es 
affection, and never dreamed of leaving the pater- how had 
nal roof, until the unholy chastisement of a parent's Sded 
hand alienated their love, expelled them from the 
threshold, and compelled them to seek shelter and whatdid 

' ^ '■ _ her treat- 

security behind the bulwarks of a righteous insur- f^^f 

. • them to 

rection. do? 

5. In the early period of their colonial existence, 

Great Britain had. troubled them but little about not Eng- 
land trou 

their internal policy, being satisfied with a monop- fjJ|'J„ ;„ 
oly of their trade. She wished also to obtain period'L^ 

, . . ' . , • <- 1 'heir co- 

their assistance m the prosecution oi the wari^-niaiex 
against the French. 

The colonies had increased in strensrth and pop- how had 

° . . ^ ^ the war 

ulation, and the war ended in the acquisition of a ^''t^e^i- . 
vast amount of territory to the English crown. \^r^^^^ 
Then when prudence would have dictated a relaxa- Xuil 
tion of their authoritv, they rose in their demands have die- 

" ^ ^ '' _ tated to 

and increased their restraints. They imposed heavy ^^^^"n^d 
and crushing taxes to pay off a national debt of S,^!^e 
more than one hundred and fifty million sterling, ikke?^ 
They forgot that the Americans were descended 
from the same forefathers as themselves, and heirs 
to the same rights. 

To bearing their share in the expenses of the ^^ ^^^^ 
war, the colonies had made no objections ; but they SoSste 
did object to that system of taxation in which they " ^'"^'' 
had no right to be heard. 

(5. In 1765, Lord Grenville having previously given 
notice of his intentions to the American agents in ^^^^^^^^^ 
London, introduced into parhament a long-cherished jjament' 
scheme for the purpose of raising a revenue from L"nd'by 
the American colonies by means of a stamp duty. 



What 
scheme 



194 CAUSES OF itLE REVOLUTION. 



Part I. 



17 65 Petitions poured in against it from the Americans, 
How was ^"<^ ^t fii'st it met with a strong opposition in the 
ceivldin Housc of Commons. 

the 

House? 7. Charles Townsend, at the close of an eloquent 
What speech on the side of the ministry, asked, "And 
J^mLlS^ those Americans, children planted by our care, 
sendTn"" nourlshcd by our indulgence, and protected by our 
^o^seofarms until they have grown up to a degree of 
mens? strength and opulence, will they grudge to con- 
tribute their mite to relieve us from the heavy load 
of national expense which we lie under?" 
What 8. Col. Barre immediately arose and indignantly 
reply of exclaimed, " Children jolanted by your care ! No ! 
your oppression planted them in America. They 
fled from your tyranny into a then uncultivated 
land, where the}^ were exposed to all the hardships 
to which human nature is liable. 

9. " Tliey nourished by your iyididgence ! No ! 
They grew by your neglect. 

" They 'protected, by your arms! They have no- 
bly taken arms in your defense ; they have exerted 
their valor amid their constant and laborious in- 
dustry for the defense of a country which, while 
its frontiers were drenched in blood, has yielded all 
its little savings to your emolument." He conclud- 
ed by saying that " the people were loyal, but would 
vindicate their liberties if they should be violated." 

10. But the eloquence of Col. Barre and the 
remonstrance of the colonies could not change the 

biifpi^s? avaricious feelings of parliament, and the bill passed 

March 8. t>y a large majority. Short-sighted legislators, poor 

readers of human nature, who did not see that in 

the passage of an act so odious to the colonies, they 



Chap. XTI. 



STAMP ACT. 195 



were awakening an opposition and spirit of inde- ites 
pendence among them, which would materially 
weaken their own power. The night after the bill 
passed, Dr. Franklin wrote to Mr. Charles Thom- what did 
son, " The sun of liberty is set ; you must light up wnte'^to 
the candles of industry and economy." Mr. Thom- ihom- 

'' ^ son, and 

son answered, " I was apprehensive that other ^Jfhis 
lights would be the consequence, and I foresee the "^^ ^ ' 
opposition that will be made. " 

11. By this act, no written instrument could be what 
legal vmless stamped paper was used, which they rtovI- ^ 
were compelled to purchase at an exorbitant price ^'i'ld^ih^ 
of the British agents. For a breach of this law Ibr'Ttf 
they were to be tried without jury before any marine '"°'"°" 
court in the colonies. The news of its passage Howwas 

' _ ^ the news 

was received with sorrow and dismay. Parliament f^Jf ^ 
had turned a deaf ear to their petitions, and showed bT^thJf*^ 
by the passage of the act a determination to treat "^ 
them, not as English citizens, but as servants and 
slaves. They must either surrender without a tq what 

'' alterna- 

stiuggle their liberty, or oppose strongly and firmly [heV'^''^ 
the grasping avarice of a nation the most powerful "^"''^"^ 
in the world, and to which they had been accus- 
tomed to turn their eyes-with fond affection as their 
" mother land." 

12. They were not long in making up their de- 
cision and- proclaiming it to the world. The Vir- 
ginian legislature was in session when the infor- 
mation arrived. Patrick Henry, then a young 
man, but possessed of brilliant talents, opposed it 
with all the strength of his great mind. He brought 
before the house five resolutions which were adopt- 
ed, and which closed by declaring, " That any in- 5uce? 



What is 
said of 
Paldck 
Henry? 



What 
resohi- 
tions did 



advo 
catinf 
them 



196 CAUSES OP THE REVOLUTION. p^^.^ ,, 

lies dividual, who, by speaking or acting, should assert 
or maintain, that any class of men except the 
general assembly of the province, had a right to 
impose taxation, he should be considered an enemy 
to his Majesty's colony." 

13. In advocating these resolutions, he boldly 

h?4Vill denounced the pohcy of the British government, 
and declared that the king had acted the part of a 
tyrant. Growing warm with his subject, and al- 
luding to the fate of other tyrants, he exclaimed 
with flashing eyes and in thunder tones, " Ceesar 
had his Brutus, Charles I. his Cromwell, and 

Georo-e III." " Treason ! treason ! " arose from 

every part of the house. Pausing a moment until 
the tumult had ended, he added, " may profit by 
their example. If this is treason, make the most 
of it." 

Were 14. Similar sentiments flcAv like lightninor through 

these * r ? 

^;^;,\; the other States. The tongues and pens of the 
tTvi"^'* citizens labored in kindling the latent sparks of 
^'"''' patriotism. The press strongly opposed the innova- 
tion, and called upon the citizens to resist it. Be- 
what fore the proceedings in Virffinia had become known 

resolu- r o '-1 

thTiesiv in Massachusetts, her legislature passed a resolu- 
Maf^a^*^ tion in favor of a continental congress, fixed a day 

chiisetts . j^ , ~ . • ' -XT -XT- I 1 

passer! jjj Octobcr for Its meetmg m JNew York, and sent 

pnor to '^ 

^^'^- letters to the speakers of the other colonial legisla- 
tures requesting their concurrence. 

15. On the first Tuesday in October, delegates 
AVhtn from all the States excepting Virginia, North Caro- 
coni,Me^s lina, Georsria, and New Hampshire, assembled in 

assem- ; o ; i > . . i 

bie? New York, and agreed upon a declaration of rights 
asserting, in strong language, their exemption from 



Cliap. XVI. CONTINENTAL CONGRESS. 197 

all taxes not imposed by their own representa- i-yes 
tive-, their right of trial by jury, and drew up a how ma 
})etiUon to the king with memorials to both houses nieswere 
of parliament. The memorials were signed by all -rented, 

r o J and what 

the delegates excepting Thomas Ruggles of New dui'mey 
York, and Mr. Ogden of New Jersey. '^'''■ 

16. On the arrival of the first of November, the 
day on which the obnoxious stamp act was to go 
into operation, hardly a sheet of the stamped pa- 
per w^hich had been sent to America could be 
found. It had been destroyed or re-shipped to Eng- 
land. The general aversion to the act was de- Sek''^ 

•, . . ^ T T-» I aversion 

monstrated m a variety oi ways. In Boston, the to the 

. . . ' stamp 

morning which ushered it into existence, spoke ^^^„/^®" 
forth the destroying agency, in the mournful accents ^'"'^^'^• 
of the funeral knell. Shops and stores were closed ; 
effigies of unpopular characters were paraded* 
through the streets and burned. 

17. In Portsmouth, New Hampshire, the day ^^^^ 
was ushered in with strong evidences of hostility J^°ce in 
and ffrief. Notice havinsr been ffiven to the friends m°o'ut"h, 

. . . N. H. ? 

of liberty to attend her funeral, a coffin inscribed 
with the word " Liberty, " was borne along in sol- 
emn procession to the grave. The muffled drums, 
the death march, the booming minute guns, and 
the tolling bells as they threw out their mournful 
tones upon the air, gave evidences of the greatness 
of their bereavement. On their arrival at the 
place of interment, a eulogium was pronounced 
upon the deceased. Scarcely was it ended before 
the coffin Avas taken up, the inscription w^as 
changed to " Liberty revived," the bells exchang- 



198 CAUSES OF THE REVOLUTION. 



Part I. 



1T65 ed their melancholy for a joyous peal, and satis- 
faction appeared on every countenance. 
What in 18- In New York, the act was printed under the 
York and title of " Thc follv of Ensfland, and the ruin of 

in difler- -^ i 

^f tiie'"' America," and distributed through the streets. 
country? j^^ different parts of the country, the stamp-mast- 
ers were compelled to resign their offices to prevent 
being mobbed. The stamp act was so formed 
that the penalty of disobedience would be no less 
than suspension of the whole machinery of the 
political and social order, and the creation of a state 
of anarchy. 
What ef- 19. Neither trade nor navigation could proceed, 
^vould no contract could be legally made, no process 
produce against an offender could be instituted ; no appren- 

on the o 7 rr 

country? ^.-^g could bc indented ; no student could receive a 
diploma, nor even could the estates of tlie dead be 
legally settled, or the marriage ceremony performed, 
until the stamp duty was paid. By degrees, how- 
ever, things began to assume their usual course, 
and all kinds of business were transacted in open 
defiance of the act. 

^^^f.""^' 20. Associations under the title of the "Sons of 
Liberty," were formed in every part of the country. 



socia 
tions 
were 
form I 



and for 
what 



They denounced the stamp act as being an out- 
purpose? yg^cre ou the British constitution, and resolved that 
they would defend those who fell into the hands of 
British tyranny, on account of their clinging to 
their rights as freemen. Merchants resolved to 
import no more goods from Great Britain until the 
act was repealed, and families denied themselves 
the use of foreign luxuries. 

21. The information of the violent proceedings 



Chap. XVI. STAMP ACT REPEALED. 199 

of the colonies, was received in England with con- i^^G 
sternation and alarm. It was well that about this ^^^^. ^-^ 
time Lord Grenville was dismissed, and the Mar- recel've'' 
quis of Rockingham, a friend of the Americans, ap- "t^ws 
pointed in his place. He, with many others, felt '^l^f„^ 
that the stamp act could only be enforced at the pli- in 
point of the bayonet, and that it must be repealed isuyl^nd 

^ •' ' ^ how did 

or the death knell of their power would be tolled in |.','|y ^^^ 
America. ^'.iT'' 

22. A proposition for its repeal was accordingly 
laid before parliament. Lord Grenville strongly L.-rd 
opposed it, and declared that to repeal the act would op^,,','^,^ 
disgrace the government and encourage rebellion, peai/^" 
He demanded when the Americans were emanci- 
pated, and by what reason they claimed exemp- 
tion in defraying expenses incurred in protecting 
them? 

23. Mr. Pitt arose to reply. In his speech he what 

^ -^ ^ was Mr. 

said, " We are told America is obstinate — America ^(^^l^ >■«- 
is in open rebeUion. Sir, I rejoice that A?ne7Hca 
has resisted. Three millions of people so dead to 
all the feelings of liberty as voluntarily to submit 
to be slaves, would have been fit instruments to 
make slaves of all the rest. 

24. " When, asks the honorable gentleman, were 
the colonies emancipated .^ At what time, say I in 
answer, were they made slaves? I speak from ac- 
curate knowledge, when I say the profit to Great 
Britain from the trade of the colonies is two mil- 
lions per annum. This is the fund which carried you 
triumphantly through the war. This is the price 
America sends you for protection ; and shall a 
miserable pensioner come with a boast that he can 



200 CAUSES OF THE REVOLUTION. p^rt, I. 

IT 66 fetch a pepper-corn into the exchequer at the loss 
of millions to the nation? 

25. " I know the valor of your troops — I know 
the skill of your officers — I know the force of this 
country — but in such a cause, your success would 
be hazardous. America, if she fell, would fall like 
the strong man ; she would embrace the pillars of 
the state and. pull down the constitution with 
her. 

26. " Is this your boasted peace, not to sheathe 
the sword in the scabbard, but in the bowels of 
your countrymen ? The Americans have been 
wronged, they have been driven by injustice ! Will 
you punish them for the madness which you have 
occasioned ? No, let this country be the first to 
resume its prudence and temper ; I will pledge my- 

what self for the colonies, that on their part that ani- 

strong ' _ * 

dlT'^'he niosity and resentment will cease. Upon the whole, 
conclude? j ^^^.|j ^^jj ^^ housc iu a fcw words, what is my 

opinion. It is that the stamp act be repealed, ab- 
solutely, totally, and immediately." 
Did the 27. The eloquence of Pitt and other kindred 
HoJi^V spiiits at length prevailed, and the bill passed the 
mo'i?s? House of Commons, but in the House of Lords it 
met with violent opposition. Lord Camden, in 
were the advocatiuff the cause of the colonies, said, •' Taxa- 
of Cam- tion and representation are mseparable ; it is an 
House of eternal law of nature ; for whatever is a man's own 
is absolutely his own; no man has a right to take 
it from him without his consent. Whoever attempts 
to do it, attempts an iniurv ; whoever does it commits 

What act _ _ _ " 

withfme ^ roVjbery." The bill of repeal, after a stormy de- 
peirf '^ bate, finally passed ; but accompanied with a decla- 



Cliap. XVI. NEW ACTS OF TYRANNY. 201 

ratoiy act, which declared that parliament had a j^g^ 
right to bind the colonies in all cases whatever. 

28. The news of the repeal was received with Howwag 
the liveliest expressions of gratitude and joy. All \^cepe7 
England joined in the applause. The ships in the land"" 
river Thames displayed their colors, and the city 

was illumined. In America, pubhc thanksgivings ^^^^^^-^^ 
were held, English goods imported, and a general ^^'""^^a? 
calm succeeded the storm which had raged so vio- 
lently. 

29. By the people of New England and New what 
York, less joy and gratitude were displayed and felt. %iTng/ 
They feared, from the passage of the declaratory f^ft"^'^ 
act, that this was only a truce in the war against ^'^'^' 
American rights. In the mirror of the past they 

saw reflected the future, and trembled at the picture. 
The result showed that their suspicions were just, what 
A -change in the ministry took place in July, in J". "^e 
which the Marquis of Rockingham was removed, }£e in 
and a new cabinet formed under the direction of "^"^^' 
Mr. Pitt, afterw^ard Earl of Chatham. 

30. In June, 1767, during the confinement of mr. 
Mr. Pitt in the country by sickness, Charles Town- 
send, chancelor of the exchequer, brought before [;,'^'£ 
Parliament another plan for taxing America, by iSlk- 
imposing duties on all tea, glass, and painter's col- Mrpiu? 
ors, which should be imported into the colonies. * 
The bill passed both houses with but little opposi- 
tion, and also another, appointing officers of the 
navy as custom-house officers, to enforce the act of JJ^at 
trade and navigation. Previous to this new act of Ih^Vgla- 
tyranny, the legislative power of New York hadpo^erof 
been suspended, until it should furnish the king's J'i.iT 

9* 



202 CAUSES OF THE REVOLUTION. 



Part I 



17 68 troops with certain supplies at the expense of the 

colony. 
?L1eSc'? 31. Early in 1768 the general court of Massa- 
of.Aiassa- cliusctts seut 3. petition to the king", and addressed 

chusetts ^ . . 

JOgg'," circular letters to the colonial assemblies, asking 



for their co-operation in obtaining the redress of 
their grievances. The ministry were alarmed, 



M'hatdid 
the min- 

mandof aud demanded of the court, that they should rescind 

the ' •' 

court? ^i^Q yQi^g directing circulars to be sent. The assem- 

Whatdid 
the fTOv- 

on"?he.r attempt to intimidate did but strengthen the oppo 
sition. 



bly refused, and the governor dissolved them. This 

o 

--- r 
refusal ! 



What is 
said of 
the seiz 



32. Shortly after this, a sloop belonging to John 
mllfl' Hancock was siezed by the custom-house officers, 
^°^^' for violating some of the new commercial regula- 
tions. The houses of the officers were attacked 
by the people, and they compelled to leave the 
town. The refractory spirit of the citizens of Bos- 
S^Gen ^^^^ ^^^^^ been displayed on so many occasions, that 
Scfld'^to General Gage was directed to station a regiment 
''*'■ of soldiers in the city, to overawe the citizens, and 

protect the officers in the discharge of their duty. 
How ma- 33. Two regimcuts were accordingly ordered on 
mentsar- fiom Halifax. On their arrival the troops landed 

rived, * 



and how 
did th 
land? 



did they with loaded muskets and fixed bayonets, took pos- 



session of the state house, and planted two pieces 
of cannon at the principal entrance. The appear- 
How ance of an armed force in their midst served only 
looked ^^ excite the indignation of the inhabitants. They 
"he^cifi^ saw the hall of legislation polluted by the tread of 
what^" foreign mercenaries. Soldiers paraded the streets, 
for''th^^r^ and guards mounted at the corners challenged them 
illgf'''" as they passed. The din of martial music, and the 



Hearing 

the 

news? 



Ciiap. XVI. VIRGINIA RESOLUTIONS. 203 

roar of artillery, broke in upon tlie quiet of their 17 69 
sabbath, and tlieir wives were exposed to insiUt 
from the soldiery, as they attended to the sacred 
duties of the sanctuary. 

34. Early in the following year, resolutions pass- what 
ed both houses of parliament, censuring^, in thetl^i'n'^" 

^ ' °' passed 

strons^est terms, the conduct of the citizens of Mas- '''^''''f:. 

^ ' ment the 

sachusetts, and directing the governor to make year'r'" 
strict inquiries, as to all treasons committed in that 
province since the year 1767, that offenders might ' 
be sent to Ens^land for trial. The legislature of 

^r- ■ ■ 1 • r ^ i i What did 

Vuo^mia, on the receipt 01 that order, passed reso- the legis- 

» ' ^ ' ^ laUire of 

lutions denying the right of the king to remove JolJii'" 
an offender out of the colony away from his home the' 
and his friends, for trial. The governor, on hear- 
ing of the resolutions, immediately dismissed the 
assembl}^ 

35. The members met in a private house, and J]J^[fe 
entered into a written agreement, not to import ml^'mi^ 
any of the taxed articles. Their example was afsmL- 

•' ' edbythe 

extensively followed. The assembly of Massachu- |°j*;^.""at 
setts convened, but refused to proceed to business ment did 
while an armed force surrounded the state house, teVLio? 
and cannon were pointed at the door. The gov- ^l^'^^^l'^ 
ernor refused to remove them, and they were ad- omalsa- 
journed to Cambridge. dof '^ * 

36. Toward the close of the session, the govern- 
or requested them to provide funds to pay for the 
quartering of the troops, but they refused, declaring 
that they would never make any provisions to sup- 
port a standing army among them, in times of 
peace. The governor, therefore, prorogued the as- 



204 CAUSES OF THE REVOLUTION. Parti. 

j^^Q sembly, and was shortly after succeeded in office 

by Governor Hutchinson. 

Avhntor. ^^' ^^^ ^^^^ ^^ ^^ Marcli, an affray took place 

on"1he between some of the regular troops and some rope- 

ofMaich? makers, in which the soldiers were beaten. Angry 

feelings were roused, and on the evening of the 5th 

a crowd of citizens attacked the city guards under 

Capt. Preston, pelted them with stones and snow 

accon: f balls, until the word to fire was ffiven in return, 

ot the ' & J 

"^^ when eight pieces w^ere dischargjd, three citizens 
were killed, and several wounded. The alarm im- 
mediately spread every wheie, the bells were rung, 
drums Avere heard, and the cry to arms was 
raised. 

38. The citizens assembled in crowds, and could 
only be dispersed by the governor promising them 

,„^ ^ that justice should be done in the morninar. The 

What be- •> _ ^ 

p!™ton^ troops were removed from the city, and Capt. Pres- 
m«n" ton and his men tried for murder. Although the 
most intense excitement prevailed in the place, yet 
such was the love of justice, that the soldiers were 
all acquitted excepting two, who were convicted of 
manslaughter. 

39. In England, on the very day of the com- 

Whatbill . . ^ , ? ' T 1 ^T , • -, 

North°ii'l im^sion 01 this outrage. Lord INorth was appomted 
imo^par- ^o the ministry. He introduced a bill into parlia- 
hament? ^^^^j^^^ wlilch passcd ou the 12th of April, removing 
the duties that had been laid in 1767, excepting 
those on tea, but still declaring their right of taxing 
whatfi- the colonies. For a long time, no tea was imported, 
duced'"" and the effect was beginning to be severely felt by 
mentto the commcrcial part of Great Britain. Parhament 

remove r 

fSmtea? therefore passed an act permitting^ the Ea«t India 



Chap. XVI. TEA THROWN OVERBOARD. 205 

Company to import their teas into America free of 17-73 
duty in EnglancV. 

40. The naked question of principle on taxation ^hatia 
was thus presented. It was an insidious plan, but thepL- 
the energy of the Americans foiled it most signally. thu.^.re- 
Three pence a pound on tea was nothing, but 

the principle of tyranny was strong, and the re- 
sistance was as unyielding as though it had been 
an act of confiscation. Tea was accordingly 
shipped from England in vast quantities, but on 
its arrival, the people refused to receive it. In^heieo- 

' r r pie do on 

Charleston, the tea was landed, but not permitted l^?ot[he 
lobe offered for sale; and beiug stored in damp 
cellars, finally perished. 

41. In Boston, a large company of men disguised whntdid 
as Indians, went on board the ships during the {i^^^to"/ 
night and tlirew the cargoes into the water. Three fu""^^ 
hundred and forty-two chests were thus broken 
open and the contents thrown into the harbor. 
ParliauKMit, in order to punish the inhabitants of whatdid 

parlia- 

Boston, passed the " Boston Port Bill," which pre- pe"f ^° 

' r J I to punish 

vented the landing and shipping of goods at that h^abit-' 
place, and removed the custom house to Salem. ^"^ 



But the people of Salem refused to raise their for- whatdid 
tunes on. the rums of their countrymen, and the Jjji'^*^^,J 
inhabitants of Marblehead generously offered them b'i"'hi5ad 
the use of their warehouses and harbor. 

42. In the following- March, two other bills whatty- 

ramiical 

equally tyrannical passed botli houses of parlia- '"'J^^^ 
ment. One subverted the whole constitution and mr'nTin 
charter of Massachusetts, taking: all power out of lovvinV 
the hands of the people, and vesting it in the 
crown. The other authorized the o^overnor to 



206 CAUSES OF THE REVOLUTION. 



Part I. 



tti^ send to England or some other colony, for trial any 
person indicted for murder, or a'hy other capital 
ofience committed in aiding magistrates in the dis- 
charge of their duty. 
For what 43. Shortly after, General Gage arrived to super- 
duiGage sede Hutchinson as governor of the province, and 

arrive? " ^ ' 

also to enforce the odious "Port Bill." The as- 
Su- sembly resolved that "the impolicy, injustice, inhu- 
th"e"a.s- manity, and cruelty of the act, exceed all our povv- 
pass? ers of expression," and declared that they would 
leave it to the just censure of others, and appeal 
to the God of the world. 
whatdid ^^' ^^^® legislftture of Virginia appointed the 
latureTf 1st of June, the day on which the act was to go 
doT"'^ into effect, as a day of fasting, humiliation and 
prayer, to implore God to give them one hea7^t and 
one mind firmly to oppose by all justice and prop- 
er means every injury to American rights. Gov- 
ernor Dunmore resenting this proceeding, dissolved 
the assembly. They, however, formed an associa- 
tion, resolved not to use any East India production, 
until the act was repealed, and concluded by pro- 
posing a " General Congress" of the colonies. 
When 45. On the 4th of September, the proposed con- 
meet? gi"6ss, consisting of deputies from eleven colonies, 
assembled at Philadelphia. They passed a reso- 
iStu: lution highly commending the conduct of Massa- 
they chusetts, lu tlic couflict with wicked ministers, and 

pass, and ' ' 

See- exhorted all to press on in the cause of liberty. 

theyV.'i'-'^ They drew up a Bill of Rights — entered into an 

agreement for themselves and for their constitu- 



what ents, to cease all importations from Great Britain, 

measures ' ' _ ' 

&iJ^V ^'^^ adopted measures for organizing committees 



Cliap. XVI. MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY. 207 

in every towa and city, to see that this agree- itt^^ 
ment was enforced by every species of popular in- 
fluence. 

46. They addressed a letter to General Gage, 
entreating him to desist from military operations. 
They also voted an address to the king ; one to 
Great Britain, and another to Canada. Their peti- 
tion to the king entreated him in eloquence the most 
affectionate and respectful, to restoie to them their 
violated rights, their rights as English freemen, ^yhatdui 
In their address to the Enghsh people they de- ciurefn" 
clared "thatthev never would be hewers of wood dress fo' 

•^ , . the Eng- 

and drawers of water, for any ministry or nation m [;j•^^l'^°" 
the world." 

47. This frank expression of feeling on the part 

of the colonists aroused the indignation of the Sjand*^ 
British government. America, they said, had lona;' expres 

^ . sion of 

wished to become independent, and to prevent this, fueling? 
was the duty of every Englishman, and that it 
must be done at every hazard. 

48. Boston Neck was fortified, and powder and ^^hat 
other military stores in Cambridge and Charleston, l!t-^safeTy 
by order of General Gage, removed to Boston. An adopt' 



Where 



assembly was called iu Massachusetts, but dissolved 
by the governor. The members then met in Salem, iJseSbiy 
appointed a committee of safety, and supplied and chSS' 
sent messenffers to New Hampshire, Rhode Island andvvhat 

'^ _ '^ ' action 

and Connecticut, asking for their assistance in rais- SJT^ 
ing an army of twer)ty thousand men to act in an 
emergency. England, although she could distinctly 
see the upheaving of the violence of colonial indig- 
nation, refused to listen to the warning sound, and 
determined upon another act of oppression. 



What is 
suicl of 
the ap- 



208 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. Parti. 

1T75 

CHAPTER XVII. 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 

1. Matters were now rapidly approaching a 
crisis ; the spirit of resentment was being fanned 

mTcrfes ^^^^ ^ flame ; a dark and bloody cloud was hovering 
time'^ over the land, and the great question was soon to 
be decided, whether they should be slaves or free- 
men, whether their names should be blackened 
with the stigma of rebellion, or handed down to 
posterity as the saviors of their country. 

2. On the lOlh of February, a bill was passed 
b™ restricting the commerce of the New England 
pariTa- Statcs, aud forbidding them to fish on the banks 

menton ' , . 

^hVu^^ of Newfoundland. The same restrictions soon 

or Feb- 

ruary? ^^^^^. extended to all the colonies. The people of 
What Massachusetts were pronounced rebels, and ten 
caiTc'ti" tliousand men with several ships of the line ordered 
loZdl' to America to enforce obedience. 

3. Tlie committee of safety and supplies had 
For^vhat collected a large quantity of stores and ammuni- 
smith°'" tion at Concord, about twenty miles from Boston. 
pu'oaS General Gage, deeming it advisable to obtain pos- 
patched session of them, sent out a detachment of eight hun- 

to Con- ' 

'■"'""• died men, under the command of Col. Smith and 
Major Pitcairn. 

4. Notwithstanding the precaution of the British 
officers, to prevent the spread of the intelligence, 
the march of the troops had been made known by 



Chap. XVII. LEXINGTON. 



209 



expresses and signal guns. On their arrival at n^.-j 
Lexington, five miles from Concord, they saw 
the miUtia of the place were drawn up to receive how did 
them. The regulars approached within musket pi|^iT 
shot, when Major Pitcairn ridinsr forward with "I'^^H'- ^ 

J J o gence of 

drawn sword, exclaimed, " Disperse, you rebels ! JJyach)" 
throw down your arms and disperse." Not behig 
obeyed, he discharged his pistol, and ordered his thecit 
soldiers to fire. They fired, and killed eight men ^tances 
and wounded several others. The rest dispersed, ""^«^''"^- 
but the firing continued. The enemy then pro- 
ceeded to Concord, and destroyed the greater part of 
the stores. 

5. The militia had in the mean time assembled 
and a skirmish ensued, in which a number were ^^hat 
killed. The British commenced their retreat, but •^"'"'^'^• 
were pressed on all sides by the now enraged 
Americans. 

At Lexington, they met Lord Percy, with a re- 
inforcement of 900 men. They, however, con tin- who was 
ued tbeir retreat. "^^^o"^ 

6. The whole country was in arms. Every 
wall, house, and tree, contributed to shelter some 
exasperated New Englander. A perpetual fire was 
kept up in this manner, during the whole length of 
their weary and laborious march, until at night, 
with the loss of two hundred and seventv-three how 

*' great 

men, they encamped on Bunker's Hill, under the loflSf"" 
protection of the men of war, and the next day B^mkerl 
passed over to Boston. 

7. Intelligence of these events spread like wild 
fire through the country. The torch of war had 



210 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. Parti. 

1TT5 been lighted — blood had been offered on the altar 
^.,,j^t of liberty : fearfully was the death of those patriots 
hSr' slain at Lexington and Concord to be avenged, 
eventson Couriers galloped in every direction, beating a 
Sj^f"^' drum, and shouting in tones, that thrilled every 
ear that heard, " To arms, to arms ! liberty or 
death." The streets of Lexington and Concord 
have been soaked in blood, and the country is in a 
blaze. 
What is 8. Gen. Putnam heard it, and leaving his oxen 
Putnam? in the field, he stayed not to change his far- 
mer's dress, but springing on his swiftest horse, was 
soon, seen speeding along the road to Boston. 
Those that saw that rough form fly past, knew 
that wild work would be done. Old age with 
hands trembling from palsy, threw aside the cush- 
ioned crutch, and grasped the deadly firelock. Me- 
clianics left their shops, and farmers the plough, 
and bursting away from their wives and children 
sped on to the field of battle, where liberty was to 
be bought with blood. 
-vvhat 9. In a few days a line of encampment stretched 
of from Roxbury to the river Mystic, and the British 
camp- forces in Boston were envhoned by an army of 

ment •' -' 

formed? twcuty tliousaud men. In New Haven, on the 

news being known, Benedict Arnold, a druggist. 

What gathered around him a band of volunteers and 

Arnold'^ marched on to the scene of strife. At Boston he 

formed the bold plan of seizing the important 

fortresses of Ticonderoga and Crown Point. 

10. Having received instructions from the com- 
mittee of safety to raise a sufficient number of men 



was the 
extent 
the en 



<^u 



Cliap. XVII. ^^^' ETHAN ALLEN. 211 

for the purpose, he marched on to Bennington, 1775 
where he found that Col. Ethan Allen had collected ^vhowTs 
a large band for the same object. They marclied nlntSi? 
on together at the head of three hundred men 
from Castleton, and reached Ticonderoga on the 
10th of May. 

11. They advanced to the gateway, Arnold and Describe 

•^ ^ o J7 theexpe- 

Allen entering side by side. A sentinel snapped J^"">»of 



Alien 
and Ar- 
nold? 



his fusee at Allen and retreated. Allen rushed up 
the staks, and exclaimed in a voice of thunder as 
he reached the governor's room, "Come out here, 
you white-livered wretch, and surrender ! " The 
governor started up, and pale with terror, stammered 
out, " In whose name do you demand it ? " " In 
the name," said Allen, " of the Great Jehovah and 
the Continental Congress !" 

12. This was high authority, and the governor 
immediately surrendered. They were equally suc- 
cessful in obtaining Crown Point. By this fortu- J^^at^. 
nate expedition, executed without bloodshed, they piiThed 
gained possession of two important fortresses, more expedl- 
than one hundred cannon, and a large quantity of 
ammunition. 

On the 10th of May, the Continental Congress 
again assembled at Philadelphia, and issued bills JJ^^'^/jong 
of credit to the amount of three millions of dollars, greSn 
for defraying the expenses of 'the war, and pledged 
the faith of the United Colonies for their redemp- 
tion. 

13. In May, the British army in Boston received ^y^^.^^ 
reinforcements from England, under Generals Howe, me'lftf^* 
Clinton and Burgoyne, which,' tog^ether with the British 

* -^ ' ? & receive? 

garrison, formed an army of more than twelve 



212 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 



Parti. 



1175 thousand men. General Gage now proclaimed 
^j^jjj martial law tlironghout the State, offering-, how- 
bj^Gen"^ ever, to pardon all rebels who would return to their 

allegiance excepting Samuel Adams and John 

Hancock. 
What or- 14. The Americans, learning that General Gage 
wer'e was determined to penetrate into the country by 

given to ' J J 

preicott ^^ ^'^y ^^ Charlestown Neck, issued orders to Col. 

andwhy? Pi-ggcott on the eveuiug of the 16th of June, to 
take one thousand men and form an intrenchment 
on Bunker's Hill, an eminence which commanded 
the neck of the peninsula of Charlestown. By 

whaT, some mistal^e they went farther on and occupied 

waV Breed's Hill. At midnig^ht those stern-hearted men 

made, 

drnther Stood on the top while Putnam marked out the line 
succeed? ^^ intreuchments. By daylight they had con- 
structed a redoubt eight rods square, in which they 
could shelter themselves. 
What 15. In the morning the English officers and the 

was done /.t-» tit iiii- i- 

the next people of Bostou could hardly beheve then- eyes as 

morning? r r j ^ j 

they saw this redoubt almost over their heads. All 
now was bustle and confusion ; and, in two hours' 
time, all the artillery of the city, the ships of war, 
and the floating batteries, were pointed against that 
single silent structure. The city shook to the thun- 
der of cannon, and that lonely height rocked under 
the bombs and balls which tore up its sides. Still, 
those hardy men toiled on as they never toiled be- 
fore, heedless of the iron storm that rattled around 
them, until by noon they had run a trench nearly 
down to the Mystic river on the north. 
What 16. The cannorfading having failed to dislodge 

no^n? them, about noon General Gage sent a body of 



Chap. SVII. 



BATTLE OF BUNKER'S HILL. 



about three thousand men, under Generals Howe 
and Pigot, to carry the height by assault. They 
left Boston it* boats, and landing at Moreton's Point, 
under the protection of the shipping advanced in 
two columns, setting, fire to Charlestown on their 
way, by which act two thousand people w^ere de- 
prived of their habitations. 

17. The day w^as clear, not a cloud rested on the 
summer heavens. The soldiers on the hill gazed 
upon the moving mass below them with a stern and 
anxious eye. In the intervals of the roar of artillery, 
were heard the thrilling strains of martial music, 
while plumes danced and standards w^aved in the 
sunlight, and five thousand bayonets gleamed and 
shook over the dark mass below. 

18. A solitary horseman moved swiftly over the 



213 



It 15 



What i3 
said of 
the burn- 
ini; of 
Charles- 
town? 



What is 
said of 
the bat- 
tle? 



VICINITY OF BUNKER S HILL. 




214 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. p^j^ I, 

1115 hill? 3-iid rode up to Putnam. It was General War- 
whatof ^"^^^- " '^^^^ ^^? " s^^cl he, while his lips quivered 
wamn? with the excitement, " where the onset will he 
heaviest^ " At the redoubt," said Putnam ; " Pres- 
cott is there, and will do his duty." Away galloped 
Warren, and as he rode up to the intienchments, a 
loud huzza rent the air. 
-vvhat 19. Nothing could exceed the excitement of the 

scene at sceue at tlils momcut. Stretched over that hill 
time? and out of sight lay fifteen-hundred sons of Liberty, 
coolly awaiting the onset of the veteran thousands 
of England, and sternly resolved to prove worthy 
of the high destinies intrusted to their charge. 
The roofs and steeples and shores of Boston were 
black with spectators. Many of them had hus- 
bands, brothers, and lovers on the hill. •At home, 
the earnest prayer went up to Heaven. With 
what intense longing each heart turned to the 
silent redoubt ! 
What or-' ^^* The English advanced. Putnam rode along 
gfJen'b^ the lines urging them not to fire until the com- 
""■^"^ mand, and then aim at their waistbands. On 
came the battalions, stopping every few yards, to 
deliver their deep and regular volleys on the em- 
Describe baukmeuts ; not a shot replied, but flashing eyes 
«ef- were there bent in wrath on the enemy, as they 
slowly ascended the hill and sternly closed for 
Jrhe death struggle. That silence was more awful 
than the thunder of cannon — it told of carnage 
and death slumbering there. 

21. When the hostile columns had almost 
was the leached the intrenchments, the stern order -^ Fire" 

order ' ' 

|wen to ii^ji^g ^yitJi Startling clearness on the air. A sheet 



Chap. XVII. BATTLE OF BUNKER's HILL. 215 

of llame burst along that low dark wall, and down it 75 
went the enemy rank on rank, as that tempest of 
fire smote thek bosoms ; still the battalions strug- 
gled against the deadly sleet, but all in vain. Fu- ^.^at 
rious with rage, the army broke and fled for the IdT'"^' 
shore. A loud huzza rose from the redoubt, which 
was answered by thousands of voices from Boston. 

22. The English officers rode swiftly among 
their flying troops, and finally succeeded in rally- Describe 
ing them. Again the drums beat their hurried '^^'''^^• 
charge, and the columns pressed gallantly forward. 

On, on they came, shaking the firm ground with 
their heavy tread, until they stood breast to breast 
with that silent redoubt, when it again opened and 
sent forth a tempest of fire and lead, sweeping away 
the firm-set ranks like mists, in its path. Rank 
after rank went down before that fire, until the 
bravest gave way and rushed furiously down the 
hill. Again the triumphant huzzas rocked the 
height, and the slopes of that hill turned red wi tij^ . 
flowing blood. Mp"^ 

23. At this critical moment, General Clinton ar- 

' Whatre- 

rived with remforcements. By his exertions the ^emTar- 
troops were again rallied, and a third time advanced aniwhat 
to the charge. Throwing aside their knapsacks tSefp^ro- 

1 • i-r» 1 IT •! duce? 

and reservmg then* nre, the soldiers, with fixed 
bayonets, marched swiftly and steadily over the 
heaps of their fallen companions, up to the in- 
trenchments. Only one volley smote them, for the 
Americans had fired their last cartridges and were 
without bayonets. Clubbing their muskets, they 
still beat back the enemy, until the order was given nescribe 
to retreat. Putnam could not bear the idea of re- lleV^' 



216 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. p^^^ j^ 

ijrrs treating, and attempted again to rally them. Find- 
ing his efforts in vain, he burst forth into a torrent 
What is of indignation. Warren, too, urged them to another 
Warren? effort. He reminded them that Heaven watched 
over their cause and- would sustain their efforts. 
An English officer who knew him, snatched a 
musket from a soldier and shot him dead in his 
footsteps. 

24. The Americans retreated with little loss 

What is across Charlestown Neck, whicli was swept by 

the loss? cannon, and finally took up their station on Winter 

and Prospect Hills, still maintaining the command 

of the entrance to Boston. The battle-field re- 

^.^^ mained in the hands of the English, but the victory 

victors^^ was ours. It had been a bloody day. Nearly two 

thousand slept in death on that height, fifteen hun- 

dred of whom were British soldiers. The news 

spread rapidly, and one long shout went up from 

every corner of the land. 

What 25. In the meantime Congress had assembled at 

donefn°l*hiladelphia. Once more they addressed letters to 

the mean ^ , * . 

time by the kinsf. the mhabitants of Great Britam and 

Con- ~ ^ 

gress? Ii-eland, and at the same time published to the world 

the reason of their appeal to arms, 
whowas On the 15th of June, they elected George Wasli- 
com- insrton by a unanimous vote to the hig-h office of 

mander- o . a ^ 

in-chief? commander-in-chief of the United Colonies, and 
voted to raise an army of twenty thousand men. 
Washington, who was present, accepted the ap- 



How did 
Wash- 
ington 



pointment, expressing a sense of the high honor 
receive which he had received, and the vast responsibility 

his ap- ' r J 

Pj°^;j{", of the station. He refused to accept any compen- 



Cliap. XVII. APPOINTMENT OF GENERALS. 217 

sation for his services, merely asking that Congress i^^s 
would defray his expenses. 

2(3. In subordination to the commander-in-chief, ^^j^^ 
Messrs, Ward, Charles Lee, Schuyler and Putnam, poufted'' 
were appointed major-generals ; Horatio Gates, ad- gene- 
jutant-general ; and Messrs. Pomeroy, Montgomery 
and Wooster ; Heath, Spencer, Thomas, Sullivan 
and Greene, brigadier-generals. 

27. Soon after his election, General Washington, 
accompanied by Lee, proceeded to Cambridge to 
take command of the army, which amounted to how 
about fourteen thousand men. He found them full the 

army ? 

of love to their country, but without tents and am- 
munition, destitute of discipline, and averse to ^J^'^^'their 
subordination. By his own energy and the assist- tK.S' 
ance of Gates, order and' discipline were soon in- 
troduced ; stores were collected, and every thing 
provided for carrying on their operations. 

28. In July, Georo^ia chose delesrates to Cono^ress, Howma- 

■^ ' * ^ , . nyUnited 

increasing the number of the United Colonies to ^.g°"'^^ 

thirteen. !,SV" 

The British army was now closely blockaded in 



Boston, and Congress resolved to seize the oppoitu- congress 



^Vhy did 
Congress 
resolve to 

nity of sendinar a force into Canada, and thus an- se')dan 

-J o ' army to 

ticipating Sir Guy Carleton, the governor of that ^^"'''^^■ 
province, who was evidently preparing to attack 
the colonies. 

29. The army of invasion consisted of about 
three thousand men. Two expeditions were plan- what 
ned : one by the way of Lake Champlain, under the peditions 
command of General Schuyler, aided by Generals p'^^^nedj 
Montgomery and Wooster ; the other by the way 
of the river Kenebec, under the command of Arnold. 
10 



218 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 



Part I. 



1775 30. Arnold's march of above forty days tiirough 
whatig the wilderness, at the head of more than a thou- 
Arnoki'B sand men, is one of the most stupendous things 
the°S ^^^ ^^^^ annals of war. He marched through a 
derness? foi-ggt jjiore than two hundred miles in extent, 
climbing mountains and scahng precipices, drench- 
ed with rains, and wasted with toil, enduring 
cold and hunger. . Bonaparte fleeing from Mos- 
cow, Julian retreating across the desert, and Su- 
warrow over the Alps, are wonderful events in 
history ; but the wonder would have been tenfold 
greater, had they encountered these perils and 
hardships in marching o/^er an enemy, instead oft% 
fleeing Before one. 

31. On the 9th of November, Arnold arrived at 
Describe Pojnt Levi, opposite Quebec, and on the 13th 
Quebec, boldly led his men up the precipice, where Wolfe 
sixteen years before ascended to the field of his fame 
and his grave. Closing sternly around their leader, 
at early dawn these gallant troops stood in battle 
array upon the plains of Abiaham. He sent a 
summons to the commander to surrender, which 
was tieated with scorn. To have attempted to 
carry the place by storm, would have been mad- 
, ness, he therefore withdrew his troops twenty miles 
above (Quebec, and awaited the arrival of Mont- 
gomery, 
diti^th ^^' ^ severe illness prevented General Schuyler 
Side- fiom going to Canada, so that the whole command 
Indwhy? of this expedition devolved on Montgomery. On 
AVhen the third of November, he took possession of St. 
gain pos- Johus, aud tlicu oroceedcd to Montreal, which ca- 

session ' i ' 

treJfr' pitulated on the 13th, Governor Carleton having 



Cliap. XVII. SIEGE OF Q-UEBEC. 219 

previously abandoned the place and tied to Que- i-yts 
bee. 

33. On the 1st of December, Montgomery ar- ^^hat 

rived, and unitinsr his forces with those of Arnold, c^miiuon 
' ° , . , , • . ' ofthear- 

marched to (Quebec, then garrisoned by a superior 5™j^,^.hen 

force. The army was in a miserable condition. |"r"ved? 

Worn out with fatigue, its numbers thinned by the 

ravages of the small-pox and the severity of the 

winter, they were but poorly prepared to capture a 

place like Quebec. 

34. After a siege of three weeks in the midst of ^^^^^ 
winter, it was determined to attempt the place by ^[^^"ck^ 
assault. On the last day in the year, in the ^n^^ *'' 
midst of a heavy snow storm, the army in four 
divisions made the attempt. Two divisions were 

to make feigned attacks on the upper town, while 
Montgomery and Arnold with the other divisions, 
were to attack the lower town, at opposite points, 
intending to meet. 

35. Montgomery advanced on the banks of the^^.^^^^^^ 
river, lifting with his own hands at the huge blocks Mont"^ 
of ice, digging away the snow, and cheering on his ^"™^^^ 
men as they, one by one, struggled through. With 

his sword waving over his head, he rushed forward 
to the pickets followed by his devoted soldiers. 
After one discharge from the battery, the gunners 
fled, the pickets were .forced, but on entering, the 
discharge of a wall-piece from a neighboring house 
stretched Montgomery lifeless on the bloody snow. 
The officer next in command immediately ordered 
a retreat. Soon all had fled excepting one boyish who re- 
form, who stood by the mangled body of Mont- withthe 
gomery, his dark eye wet with tears. That fair ^'^'^J;., 



220 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 



Parti. 



1TT5 boy, covered with the blood of fight, was he who in 

after years was almost president of the United 

States and emperor of Mexico — Aaron Burr. 

What is 36. In the mean time, Arnold had entered the 

Arnold? town at the head of his troops, bravely fighting, 

when his leg was shattered by a cannon ball, and 

much against his will he was carried to the rear. 

^ The command then devolved on Capt. Morgan, 

What of r & ) 

Morgan? ^^r\lQ presscd on through the storm of grape shot, 
and fought desperately for a number of hours, when 
he was compelled to surrender the remnant. of his 
brave band prisoners of war. 
What of 37'. The death of Montgomery was deeply la- 
gomery's meutcd. Hc dlcd in the flush of heroism, in the 
pride of early manhood, before the laurels which 
were green on his brow could fade in the poisonous 
breath of envy and jealousy, which the great and 
the good so often and so keenly feel. He left on 
the rock of Quebec his blood, and to his coun- 
try the legacy of his fame. A monument was 
erected to his memory in St. Paul's church, New 
York. 

38. Arnold retired after his repulse three miles 

Whywas ^ 

ob%ed below Quebec, where he remained during the 
L^e^can"' wluter, kept the place in a state of blockade, 
the and reduced it to distress for want of provisions. 

spring? . ' . 

Early in May, General Carleton having received 
reinforcements from England, the Americans were 
obliged to make a hasty retreat, and on the 18th of 
June they entirely evacuated Canada. Thus ended 
the expedition against Canada, having proved an 



Whnt is 
said in 
conclu- 

theexpe- entire failure. We can now see, that it was well 

dition 

apainst 

Canada? 



for our independence that it did so, as the protection 



Cliap. XVII. EVENTS ON THE SEA-BOARD. 221 

of the province would have drawn away too many i>^^s 
men from more important colonies. 

39. While these events were transpiring on our ^^^^4 
northern frontiers, English ships ^vere laying waste were^^. 
towns and cities upon our Atlantic coast. Bristol, ring on 

^ ' the At- 

tn Rhode Island, and Falmouth in Massachusetts, f^'^^^ 

were burned by the orders of Capt. Mowatt of the Sr^ 

British navy, because they had taken part in the 

rebellion. Congress thought it time to turn their 

atiention to the construction of armed vessels. 

Thirteen were accordingly fitted out, a navy estab- ^^.^^f^f^' 

lished, and a lai-ge number of privateers licensed, fi°oui?' 

which scoured the seas and did great injury to the 

English commerce. 

40. Gen. Washington employed in the service what 
several cruisers to mtercept the store ships or the done by 

^ r the crui- 

enemy. Regular courts of Admiralty were estab- '^''• 
lished for the adjudication of prizes, and by these 
timely measures much good was accomplished. 

41. One of the most fortunate leaders in these ^hat by 
enterprises was Captain Manly, of Marblehead. ^Srl 
He captured an English ship loaded with ordnance tion? 
stores and ammunition of immense value at that 
time. Among them was a large brass mortar on a 

new construction, which he called the Congress. 
An invoice, it is said, could scarcely have been 
formed of articles better suited to the pressing wants 
and circumstances of the army. Cargoes of pro- 
visions and various I^inds of stores were seized to 
a very considerable amount. 



What is 
said of 
the dis- 
tresses I 
the Bos- 
tonians 



and the troops there, exceeded the possibility of dunng 



the 



description. They were almost in a state of star- ^"(f J^ 



222 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR. Parti, 



What 
did Con 
gress 



1175 vation, and suffering for want of fuel. The wretch- 
ed inhabitants were totally destitute of vegetables, 
flour, or fresh provisions, and were actually obliged 
to feed on horse flesh. A number of houses were 
taken down, and pews w^ere removed from churches 
to supply them with fuel. 
What ef- 43^ Efforts were still made by the British minis- 
Zade by try, to dctacli New York from the confederacy, and 
ish to to retain the colony under their influence. To 

detach ^ 

5ork <^his end, they restored Governor Try on, who was 
unwn?^ greatly beloved by the people, and empowered him 
to make use of measures to bribe and corrupt in 
various w^ays. Congress immediately recommend- 
ed that "all persons, whose going at large w^ould 
mend? endanger the liberty of America, should be ar- 
rested and secured." On hearing this intelligence, 
Gov. Tryon was obliged to take refuge on board a 
ship in the harbor. 

44. Virginia, during this year, w^as involved in 
said of difficulty through the insolent conduct of the royal 
?n"d vfr-^ governor. Lord Dunmore. The government of 
e'«ia? Yiiginia was now in the hands of the colonial 

assembly, but I^ord Dunmore, w^ho had retired to 
the king's ship, did not abandoru all hopes of re- 
gaining his former station ; and in November, he 
issued proclamations, instituting martial law, and 
promised freedom to such slaves as would leave 
their masters, and join his party. Many loyalists 
and negroes joined his numbers, when Dunmore 
left his ships and occupied a strong position near 
Norfolk. The Virginians took post nearly oppo- 
site. 

45. Lord Dunmore being completely defeated, 



Chap. XVII. LAST OVERTURES FOR PEACE. 223 

again repaired to his ships, where, with his party i-j^^^ 
of royahsts, he became reduced to great distress, ^^j^^|7^ 
for want of provisions. He sent a flag to Norfolk Sjlk^^ 
demanding a supply for his Majesty's ships, which 
being refused by the provincial commander, he set 
fire to Norfolk and reduced it to ashes. 

46. By this inhuman act nearly 6,000 persons wi at 
were deprived of habitations, and three hundred '2^'',"* "< 

^ _ ' the iijS8 ! 

pounds sterling were lost. 

At length he was obliged to rehnquish all at- ^here 
tempts to regain his government, and finally, after Sifii"' 
suffering from famine, tempest, and disease, sought 
refuge in the Southern Islands. 

47. Royal government generally terminate* 

,1 1 , What 19 

this year, throughout the country, the king's gov- ^^j'4i°^ 
ernors abdicating their governments, and taking mentT' 
refuge on board the English shipping. thTsyLr? 

48. An act was passed, prohibiting all trade and 
commerce with the colonies ; and authorizino" the "'^;°"^ 

' O 8.01 wa.3 

capture of all American and other vessels found bj%'ar1ia- 
trading with the colonies, and the crews of these 
captured vessels were to be treated not as prisoners, 
but as slaves. 

49. The colonists had sent over their last peti- w 
tion, styled the Olive Branchy to the king ; but both ^^^^ "jid 



ment at 

this 

time 



Vhnt 
final 



the colo- 

hpuses of parliament refused to hear it, alleging Seto 

secure a 
recon- 
ciliation, 
and how 
I- ere 



that they could not treat any proposition coming re 
from an unlawful assembly. Until now, they » 
hoped for reconciliation with the mother country. [rSedi 
This was enough. The rejection of this last peti- 
tion determined the eternal separation of Great J^^lt^ 
Britain and the colonies — the suppliants were sup- ^t»'V°"^°t 
pliants no longer. The flag, which had hitherto *'"• 



What 
change 
was 
made in 



224 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. Parti 

iTTsbeen plain red, was changed to thirteen stripes, 
emblematical of the union of the colonies. 

50. Attheclose of this year (1775), the American 
the"flag? army was almost entirely destitute of the supplies 
^.^^^ necessary for carrying on the war, and the terms 
stafeS^ foj' enlistment of all the troops expired with the 
at^r™^ hear. Although active measures had been taken 

close of 

^773? for enlistmg troops, yet on the last day of December 
when the old troops were to be disbanded, there 
were but 9,650 men enlisted for the ensuing year. 



CHAPTER XVIIL 

CAMPAIGN OF 1776. 



1776. 1. General Washington had continued the block- 
ade of Boston, during the winter of 1775-6, and at 

How ' ^ ' 

Bos^tfif^ last resolved to bring the enemy to action. It was 

bfo^ck- thought expedient to fortify Dorchester Heights, 

what^" which commanded the harbor and British ship- 

iofved" P^^&' "^^^^ night of the 4th of March was selected 

upon? fQY j^j^g attempt — and a bright full moon favored 

What ia them in their toilsome employment. The amount 

the forti- of labor performed through the night, considering 

norches- the depth of the frozen earth, was incredible. 

Heights? Qyq^i preparations were made to defend themselves 

from the raking fire which they expected from the 

enemy's ships. General Washington, was present 

animating the soldiers, and they in turn manifested 

warm hearts in the service. 



Chap. XVIII. BLOCKADE OF BOSTON. 225 

2. The surprise of the British the next morning i^tg 
cannot easily be conceived, A few moments suf-^^atis 
ficed to tell Gen. Howe the advantage the Ameri- cien/' 
cans had gained, and no alternative remained forii>'^i^^' 
him but to dislodge them or retire, for his vessels 'Jlf ^If" 
were too much exposed to remain in the harbor, 'tng'^ne 



Ameii- 
cans 1 



It was his wish to attack the Americans, but a 
violent tempest of wind and rain came on the night 
after, and obHged him to abandon his enterprise. ^^^ ^.^ 
The Americans looked on this as the work of a J^eri- 
kind Providence, in frustrating" a desi^^n which gnrd this 

, ^ storm? 

must have been attended with immense slaugh- 
ter. 

3. On the morning of the 17th of March, the -when 
roval army commenced their embarkation, and the myaiar- 

•' •' ' my leave 

inhabitants beheld, with great joy, the whole fleet Boston? 
under sail. 

B}^ this event they were relieved from a force Howma- 
of 7,575 regulars, exclusive of the staff, which, "m-''*'"''^ 

. , , . I -1 I • 1 barked? 

with the mariners and sailors, may be estimated 
at about 10,000 in the whole. 

4. This force greatly exceeded the five regiments J^J^^^g^ 

Gen. 
Grant's 

land that he could march successfully from one E'l'i'^giand? 



How ma- 



with which Gen. Grant vauntingly boasted in Eng- 
land that he could march successfully from one 
end of the American continent to the other. Fif- 
teen hundred tories left the country with their ["V??^ 

-' - lett the 

families on board the transports with the army, not '=''^""y- 
knowing what part of the world was to be their 
home. What is 

5. The houses and streets of Boston presented a the con- 

' dition of 

deplorable scene to the army as they entered. J;{f°'Jhe 
Wretchedness and desolation were written on every \^^\i 
side, and reflected disgrace on the late occupants, troops? 

10* 



226 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 



Parti. 



±>i<2e ^ spacious brick building which, for more than a 
century, had been consecrated to the service of God, 
was occupied as a riding school for Burgoyne's regi 
ment of dragoons. A beautiful pew ornamented 
with carved work and silk furniture, was demolish- 
ed, and the carved work used, by order of an officer, 
as a fence for a hogstye. 
wS"*^ 6. Gen. Washington requested the Rev. Dr. Eliot 
ieqlTe^st ^^ preach a thanksgiving sermon, which he did on 
Dr.EUot? the 28th, from Isaiah xxxiii. 20, in the presence of 

his Excellency and a numerous audience. 
What The remains of that hero and patriot, Maior 

was done ^ ' •' 

with the Qen. Warren, were taken from the earth at Breed's 

remains ^ 

waS? Hill, placed in an elegant coffin, and brought into 
the Stone Chapel. After the eulogy was pro- 
nounced, the remains were deposited in the vault 

long had under the chapel. The port of Boston was now 

the port '■ * 

been'^"" agaiu opened, having been closed during two years, 
closed? i^y order of an act of the British parUament. 
What 7. The British resolved on two expeditions for 

tioi.s the campaign of 1776, besides the relief of Quebec 
for"the'^ and the recovery of Canada. The object of one 
paj^nof expedition was to reduce the Southern Colonies — 
the command of which was given to Gen. Clinton 
and Sir Peter Parker; the object of the other was 
whosuc- to srain possession of New York. The command 

ceeded ~ a 

Gage? of this was given to the successor of Gen. Gage. 
Admiral and Sir WiUiam Howe. 

8. During this time the most melancholy ac- 
counts were received from our army in Canada ; 
they were subjected to great hardships, sufferings, 
and privations. Destitute of provisions, sinking 
under fatigue, and reduced by the small-pox, which 



What IS 
said of 
the con- 
dition ot 
our ar- 
my in 
Canada ? 



by Gen. 
Thomas, 
ami with 
what 
success? 



Chap, XVIII. DEATH OF GKN. THOMAS. 227 

was attended with unexampled mortality, they lyjo 
were in a state bordering on desperation. 

Reinforcements had been ordered by Congress, 
but when they arrived, they were worn out and 
sinking under disease. 

9. Gen. Thomas succeeded Arnold in the com- 

What 

mand, and endeavored to reduce (Quebec. He sent ^y^'^o"*' 
a fire ship down the St. Lawrence, to destroy the 
governor's vessels, intending, in the confusion which 
would ensue, to make a desperate assault on the 
town. The design was discovered by the garrison, 
antl the attempt failed. On that very day, several 
British vessels came in sight, bringing reinforce- 
ments, and thus cutting off any communication whywas 
between the different parts of the American camp. Thomas 
Gen. Thomas was obliged to retreat in the greatest '» I'i' 

o S3 treat? 

precipitation, leaving behind him the baggage, ar- 
tillery, and whatever else might have impeded the 
march. 

10. Many of the sick fell into the hands of Gen. 
Carleton, who treated them with great kindness. 
After a toilsome retreat of 45 miles without halting, 
they reached the river Sorel, where, in addition to 
all their sufferings, they were called upon to part 
with their brave General Thomas. He was vio- 
lently seized with small-pox, which in a few days whosuc 
proved fatal, when the command devolved upon 
Gen. Sullivan. 



What 
loss did 
fhey 
meet 
with oil 
their re- 
treat ? 



I eedcd 



11. The British forces in Canada under Gen. ^^^f^^^ 

number 
of the 
British 
force ill 
Canada ? 

Where 
were 



Frazer, now numbered 13,000. The general place 
of rendezvous was Three Rivers, but a party un- 
ier Gen. Nesbit was near them on board the trans- 
ports : while one exceeding the other in number, they sta- 

^ ° ' tioiiedi 



228 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. Parti.. 

ITT 6 with Generals Burgoyne, Carleton, Philips, and 

Baron Reidesel, was on its way from Quebec. 
For what l^' ^^n. SuUivan dispatched Gen. Thompson 
wasTJ;.. with a considerable body of troops to attack Gen. 
sotS' Frazer at Three Rivers. Intending to surprise him, 

patched, , ° ^ ' 

wa^i'tS* ^h^y sailed down the river by night, but were dis- 

theexpe- covcrcd and defeated with the loss of 200 prisoners. 

Adverse fortune followed the American arms in 

What is every part of Canada, although the contest dis- 

said of •' ^ 5 & 

ces/of" pls^yed the military character of the colonial officers 
Ameri- lu thc most hoHorablc point of view. Gen. Sulli- 
causein vau soou reccived orders to embark on the Lakes 

Canada ? 

for Crown Point, and thus ended the bold but un- 
successful attempt to annex Canada to the United 
Colonies. 
What 13. An official letter had been intercepted early 

was^ ^^ in this year, announcing the departure of a large 
an'*in^^ armamcut from England, under Sir Peter Parker 
tercepted ^^^ q^^ Cliuton, its destination being against the 
Southern States. Forthwith the gallant Soiithern- 
prepara- ers bcgau to prepare for its reception. The onlv 
^^^^, resistance which the inhabitants of Charleston 
"y^^'the could make, Avas to defend Sullivan's island, and 
Charles- the militia of the country were summoned to sur- 

ton? -^ 

round the capital. 

14. Palmetto trees which resemble the cork, had 
STe fo?tt been cut in the forest, and the logs in immense 
fication. ^.g^|-^g^ were moored to the beach. With these huge 

palmettoes, a square pen was made with bastions 
at the angles, capable of covering a thousand men. 
When completed, it presented the appearance of a 
' solid wall 16 feet wide. 

15. Although ignorant of gunnery, these valiant 



Clxap. XVIII. FORT MOULTRIE. 



229 



men, nerved with courage, were confident of sue- mo 
cess, and toiled on in tiieir preparations. The com- to 
mand of this fort was ffiven to Col. Moultrie, wnsuie 

^ . com- 

Behind it he placed 435 brave soldiers, with jj;^[_'j|, 
31 cannon, the total calibre of which was about 
513 pounds. Much had been said to Col. Moul- 
trie in derision of this rudely built affair. A former 
captain of an English man-of-war, warned them had'been 
m the most emphatic manner, saymg to (^oi. Moul- Jj^/'^*j^;](. 
trie, " Sir, 'when the enemy's ships come to lay ^,^1 
alongside of your fort, they will knock it down in 
half an hour." Moultrie very coolly replied, " Then reib?'" 
we ivill lie behind the ruins, and prevent the men 
from landing. ^^ 

16. Gen. Lee, whose eye had been accustomed what did 

' *' Gen. Leo 

to the scientific structures of Europe, requested the [f/'"^'„\, 
governor to have it immediately evacuated ; but Kge? 
looking proudly on the brave men who had sAvorn 
to protect it, Governor Rutleds;^e replied, "That he 

^, ■ ' . , . ? \ 1 Whatdid 

would never srive his sanction to such an ♦order the gov- 

~ ernor re- 

w^hile a soldier remained alive to defend it." The p'^- 
sequel wi4l tell how bravely they kept their deter- 
mination. 

17. On the morning of the 28th of June, a de- what 

o ' took 

tachment from the fleet, consisting of two ships of gjf ^ "" 
50 o^uns each, 5 of 28, 1 of 26, and a bomb vessel, TTile^ 

. . 28Ih of 

came steadily up, driven by a fair wind. As they Ji"'e? 
neared the fort, Col. Moultrie's eyes flashed with 
delight, and he gave orders to his men to fire. 
That bold onset was an earnest of what followed. ^^^^^^-^^ 
Not a shot was returned from the fleet, until they lience'^' 
cast anchors directly abreast of the fort, wiien alhrat- 
fearful volley from more than one hundred cannon 



230 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 



Part I 



1TT6 



What is 
said of 
Lee's 
move- 
ments ? 



Describe 
the bat- 
tle. 



greeted them, and the battle had fairly com- 
menced. 

18. Gen. Lee had stationed himself atHaddrell's 
Point, expecting to see the fort shattered in frag- 
ments in thirty minutes. Hour after hour passed, 
during which time the firing seemed like one con- 
stant peal of thunder ; the fort trembled at times 
like a frightened thing, as hundreds of balls buried 
themselves in the good palmettoes. Lee passed 
over to the fort in an open boat, amazed that an 
English fleet of 266 guns should be kept at bay by 
31 cannon and 400 inexperienced artillerists. 

19. His astonishment was increased as he gazed 
upon the coolness and intrepidity of those noble 
men. Finding his presence of no avail, he left the 
fort, and returned to his old station. An incessant 
shower of bombs flew through the air, and quanti- 
ties dropping within the fort, were lost in the morass 
in the middle. With joy they saw the bomb ves- 



CimiLliTOi, 




Charleston is situ- 
ated on a point of land 
formed by the junction 
of the Ashlej' and Coo- 
per rivers, about seven 
miles from the ocean. 
The entrance to the ci- 
ty is through a narrow 
channel, on the east of 
which, and about six 
miles below the town, 
is Sullivan's Island. On 
this island Fort Moul- 
trie was erected, in a 
position which com- 
pletely commanded 
the entrance, and pre- 
sented a formidable 
obstacle in the way of 
an attack on the city. 
Fort Johnson was 
erected on James' 
Island, which is about 
three miles below 
Charleston. 
Gen. Clinton landed with his troops on Long Island, a short distance east of Sullivan'a 

Island, and erected two batteries, chiefly for the purpose of covering his force.s when they 

should land on Sidlivan'a Island to attack the Ibrt. 



agit.lion 
Of" ihc 



Chap. XVIII. ATTACK ON FOllT MOULTRIi:. 231 

sel rendered useless, while every succeeding dis- n^Q 
charge told with murderous effect. ~ 

20. During the heat of the battle, the flag-staff ^^^^^^^.^ 
was shot away, and the flag dropped on the lhet\?i- 
beach. One deep groan of despair was heard ^'' 
from hundreds of the citizens of Charleston, who ofthe 
had crowded the wharves and steeples, and were 
watching with intense anxiety for the event of the 
battle. Every face grew pale, as the flag disap- 
peared, «.nd many an eye filled with tears. 

21. But the firing continued, and blaze, and smoke, 
and thunder answered from the sea. But a few mo- 
ments elapsed, and they saw the flag shaking its 
folds in the sea-breeze in its former place. Amonff 

"V*'hat is 

the bravest of those brave ones within the fort, was s^ii'i of 

■ Serjreant 

Sergeant Jasper, duickly he sprang from one of •'^'p^'^- 
the embrasures, snatched the dripping flag from the 
ditch, and walking the whole length of the works, 
though the balls were falling fearfully around him, 
coolly mounted the logs and supported the flag 
upon tbe parapet, until another staff was procured. 
A shout of joy rung from the wharves and heights 
of Charleston at the sight. 

22. All day long beneath a burnino^ sky, they 

^ ^ . » JJ J What is 

fought without cessation, and when the level beams gl-^^'^-Jf 
of the setting sun lighted up the sea, the battle {fe®, ^''^^' 
still raged furiously. Slowly, says one in graphic 
style, the gray twilight began to creep over the wa- 
ter, and at last darkness settled on the shores and 
the sea. The scene now became one of indescri- 
bable grandeur. That heavy cannonade still con- what is 
tinned, and still the spectators who lined the main- tiiesrene 
land, gazed seaward through the gloom, toward set? 



232 REVOLUTION All Y WAR. 



Part I. 



1 7-^(5 the spot where the combat still raged. Night had 
fallen on the island and fort, and all was dark and 
invisible there, except when the flash of the guns 
lit up its form, and then its mysterious bosom for a 
moment would be inherent with flame, and it 
seemed as if the sea itself had opened and shot 
forth fire. Around those ships, the smoke lay like 
a dark and heavy storm cloud, through which the 
lightnings incessantly played, and thunders rolled. 
Moultrie and his men could distinctly kear the 
heavy blows of their shot, as they struck the ships, 
and crashed through the solid timbers. 

23. Finally, the English, despairing of conquer- 
ing such men, moved quietly away, and it is said 



Who 

fired the 
last gun 
as the 

frtT^a't- Marion (who was afterward so famous for his 
V ll'it ef- ^i^-very) fired the last gun as the ships were retir- 
fbcti ing,.as a parting salute, and so well aimed was the 
piece, that it struck the cabin of the commander's 
ship, killing two officers and three sailors. All 
^vhat through the streets of Charleston one loud huzza 
JionTof rent the air — " Victory! Victory P'' while from 



joy were 

given? the little fort went up three hearty cheers, and 

thenceforward it was named in honor of its gallant 

defender, Fort Moultrie. 

^jj^j 24. They mourned over the dead bodies of ten 

TolV^ of their band — but they grieved as for brave men. 

Bides? who died in the service of their country fighting 

for liberty. Twenty-two were wounded, while 

the loss of the British was about one hundred and 

seventy-one killed, and two hundred and sixty 

wounded. A number of officers were slain and 

their ships shattered almost to a perfect ruin. 

25. A few days after this brilliant action, the 



Cliap. XVIII. DEATH OF JASPER. 



233 



bold soldiers at the fort were visited by Gov. Rut- 1776 
ledge and many of the fair women of Charleston. 
The gallant Jasper was brought forward, and as a ^hat 
reward for his chivalric act in replacing the flag wereW- 

' " lerward 

on the parapet, Gov. Rutledge buckled his own f;^^;^^^® 
sword around the stalwart form, while a pair of ^"^''•'^'^''■ 
elegantly embroidered colors were presented to Col. what 
Moultrie's regiment, by Mrs. Eliott, saying at the Ji^.J^sj^^ 
close ofa few words begging them to accept the colors [;;|'fpair 
&c., " I make not the least doubt, under Heaven's t'o cii"^ 
protection, you will stand by them as long as they trie's 
can w^ave in the air of Liberty." Jasper heard this "^'^"' ■ 
speech and remembered it well. 

26. Some time after, during the assault on Sa- ^j,^t ^^^ 
vannah, Jasper received a mortal wound while mme'^ 

1 ^ I • 1 1 1 history? 

m the act 01 replacmg these colors on the para- 
pet 01 the Springhiil redoubt. Feeling the damp 
dew of deatli gathering on his brow, he sum- 
moned his companions in war about him to hear 
his last words. Said he, " I have got m}^ furlough. 
That sword was presented to me by Gov. Rutledge, ^.^^^ 
for my services in the defense of Fort Moultrie, some or 
Give it to my father, and tell him I have worn it reQulfts? 
with honor. If he should weep, tell him his son 
died in the hope of a better life. Tell Mrs. Eliott, 
that I have lost my life, supporting the colors which 
she presented to our regiment." 



27. He then sent a messasre to a Mrs. Jones 



o 



>, What 



whose husband he had rescued with much bravery 
from the enemy, saying, " If you should ever see 
Jones, his wife and son, tell them that Jasper is 
gone, but that the remembrance of tlie battle which 
he fought for them, brought a secret joy to his heart, 



message 
did he 
send to 
Mrs. 
Jones? 



234 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 



Parti. 



tTT6 when it was about to stop its motion forever." He 

expired in a few minutes after closing this last 

sentence. 

\vhere 28. The remainder of the fleet set sail for the 

British' north, where the whole of the British fleet had been 

fleet as- 
semble? ordered to assemble. 

During these transactions at the South, the Con- 
tinental Congress was in session, watching with 
anxiety the aspect of affairs in both countries, and 
revolving the chances for success in the approach- 
ing contest. 



y/- 




ENCAMPMENT AT VALLEY FORGE. 



FART II., 



1TT6 




What 
motion 



EXTENDING 13 YEARS TO THE FORMATION OF 

THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IN 1789. 

CHAPTER I. 

N the first week in June, Richard 
Henry Lee, one of the deputies was'" 
from Virginia, made a motion in bj""Rich^- 
Congress, To declare the Ameri- ry'L^T 
can colonies f 7^ ee and i7idependent 
States, and supported it by an 
eloquent speech, which found an 
echo in many hearts. It was still 
farther discussed on the 11th of June, when it was 



236 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR. p^^^ jj. 



1176 postponed for subsequent consideration until the first 
^-j,3t day of July, and at the same time it was voted 
wis"" that a committee be appointed to propose a full 

taken? , , . 

declaration. 
^'ho 2. The committee was elected by ballot, and 

were the _ •' ' 

^f^Thl'' consisted of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Ben- 
terTo^" jamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. 

prepared ^ • • 

full Dec- Liivino^ston. 

laration ? ° 

Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Adams acted as a sub- 
J'^.ojn committee to prepare the draft, and Mr. Jefferson 
m^lrlt'of drew up the paper. The merit of this document 

writing . 

the dec- is Mr. Jefferson's. Some changes were made in it, 

laration ~ ' 

belong? Qj^ i^j-jg suo^ffestion of other members of the com- 
m it tee, and by others in Congress while it was un- 
der discussion. 

3. On the ^th of Jidy^ 1776, upon the report of 
the committee, the 13 confederate colonies dissolved 

Britiilf their allegiance to the British crown, and boldly 

^^.i^^^ declared themselves Free and Independent under 

|'h\7'^''^ the name of the Thirteen United States of America. 

adopt? j^^ their declaration they boldly expressed the 
J?|/ grievances and oppression for which they could 

d"ckira- not obtain redress, and proclaimed to tlie world the 
causes w^hich impelled them to a separation from 
the Crown of Great Britain. 

yhat 4. The authop^of a pamphlet entitled " Common 

does the i r 

a"!)am-°^ >Sense,^^ thus argues the necessity of the measure : 
Sled-"' " We had no credit abroad, because of our rehellioiis 
se°n"e" dependency. Our ships could obtain no protec- 
the ne" tiou iu foreign ports, because we afforded them no 
?ndepe°- iustifiablc reason for errantinff it to us. The call- 

derice? \ ^ , , ? , , 

mg of ourselves subjects, and at the same tmie 



When 
did the 
colonies 
dissolve 
their al- 
legiance 
to the 
British 
crown ? 



What 

did 

express 

in their 

declai 

tion? 



Chap. I. INDEPENDENCE DECLARED. 237 

fighting against the prince we acknowledge, was a it^ye 
dangerous precedent to all Europe. 

5. "If the grievances justified our taking up arms, 
they justified our separation ; if they did not justify 
our separation, neither could they justify our taking 
arms. All Europe was interested in reducing us 
as rebels, and all Europe, or the greater part at 
least, is interested in supporting us in our inde- 
pendent state. 

6. "At home our condition was still worse ; our 
currency had no foundation ; and the state of it 
would have ruined whig and tory ahke. We had 
no other laws than a kind of moderated passion ; no 
other civil power than an honest mob ; and no oth- 
er protection than the temporary attachment of one 
man to another. 

7. " Had independency been delayed a few months 
longer, this continent would have been plunged 
into irretrievable confusion ; some violent for it, 
some against it, all in the greatest cabal, the rich 
would have been ruined, and the poor destroyed. 

"The necessity of being independent would have 
brought it on in a little time, had there been no 
rupture between Britain and America. 

8. " The increasing importance of commerce, the 
weight and perplexity of legislation, and the en- 
larged state of European politics, would clearly 
have shown to the continent the impropriety of 
remaining subordinate ; for after the coolest re- 
fiiection on the matter, this must be allowed, " that 
Britain Avas too jealous of America to govern it 
justly ; too ignorant of it to govern it well ; and 
too distant to govern it at all." 



238 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. p^^.^ jj^ 

itT6 ^' This pamphlet was universally read, and 
^hat niost highly admired. The language was plain 
was^pro- and forcible, and produced a powerful effect on the 
the^pam- publlc miud. The principles of hereditary govern- 
ment Avere ridiculed, while the excellences of 
republican institutions were faithfully portrayed. 
J™ 10. According to recommendation of Congress, 

mendPed thosc colouies that had not yet adopted constitu- 

by Con- . . 11 

ihl^coio- ^^^^^5 were advised to establish " such governments 
"'^^- as might best conduce to the happiness and safety 
of the people." The colonies had become accus- 
tomed to look upon themselves as sovereign States, 
and the recommendation was generally complied 
with, and the government was in every instance 
entirely elective, and at such short periods as to 
impress upon the rulers their immediate accounta- 
bleness to the people. 
What 11. The subject of independence had for some 

thought time agitated the public mind, and various opinions 
of^inde were entertained relative to that momentous trans- 
dlnce by actioii. SoiTie objcctioiis were raised, as it was 
lie? considered doubtful whether the grand object, lib- 
erty, could be gained. And when we reflect on the 
deranged condition of the army, the fearful defi- 
why do ciency of resources, and the little prospect of foreign 
^"'^\ assistance, and at the same time contemplate the 

■\vonner ' i 

boid^'^ prodigious powers and resources of the enemy, we 
mciisure? j^^j^ ^^.^j^ woudcr upon this bold measure of Con- 
gress. 

12. It has been said, that the history of the world 

what IS ' -^ 

thL'^foni cannot furnish an instance of fortitude and heroic 

the.^sign- magnanimity parallel to that displayed by the 

members, whose signatures are affixed to the Dec- 



they 
ook for 
id and 
protec- 
tion? 



Chap. I. DECLARATION RECEIVED WITH JOY. 239 

Jaration of American Independence. Their vener- ittg 
ated names will ornament the brightest pages of 
American history, and be transmitted to the latest 
generations. 

13. A signature to this paper would be regarded ^JJ^^^ 
in England as treason, and expose them to the S the 
halter or the block. These brave men knew well quences 

to them 

what an ignominious death awaited them, in case i.'^J)^^'> 
their experiment failed. But they had counted the SdT^ 
cost, and realized the responsibility of their station. 
As a nation the American people, in their helpless- 
ness, bowed before the omnipotent Ruler of the ^vhom 
world, and besought his protection and guidance. ! 
They felt that their cause was just, they were op- 
pressed in their dearest rights and privileges, and 
they hesitated not to appeal to Heaven for aid. 

14. The President of Congress, John Haficock, what is 
led the way in this bold 'work, and the original j,^ej'g^ 
paper still exhibits the characters written by no sfgnere? 
coward's hand. Of all the 56 signers, but one 
hand trembled as they signed what might have 
proved their own death warrant. The name of 
Stephen Hopkins is traced in trembling hues owing 

to a severs attack of palsy, with which he had 
been afflicted. 

15. The pen with which these signatures were 
made, is now in the cabinet of the Massachusetts 
Historical Society. But the sig-ners have all srone. what is 

•^ ^ ® said of 

Their bodies are at rest in the tomb, but they live f^% 
in their example, in the recorded proofs of their ei-amS 
own noble actions, principles, and opinions, which 
for succeeding generations will act upon the affaiis 
of men throughout the civilized world. 



240 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. p^^^ jl^ 

itte 1^- Charles Carroll of Carrolton was the last of 
^jj^^ jg this venerable body who survived. He lived to see 
^!?i<5t one after another leave the stage of life, and go 
band?'^ down to the grave with whitened hairs. The lon- 
gevity of the signers has been frequently noticed. 
whatj 17^ The average lives of the New England 
gevfeV delegation (14 in number) was 75 years. Four of 
ere of the the othcrs livcd to the ao^e of 90 and upward ; 14 

Declara- r ; 

^""' exceeded 80 years, and most of the others reached 
the age of threescore years and ten. They had 
What lived to see the goodness of the Lord in granting 
!f/cmiw them freedom from oppression, and in their ad- 
to^Vetr vanced asre could bear testimony to their posterity, 

posterity? , „ -^ , , , -^ .^ -^ ' 

that God was the hearer and answerer of prayer. 
Jo^\n- 1^- Anthon says in his Lives of the Signers to 



in his the Declaration, " It remains to us to cherish their 
memory, and emulate their virtues, by perpetuating 



does An 
thoii say 
in his 
Lives of 
the Sign- 
ers to the IT- I'll! 

geciara- ^y^^ extending the blessmgs which they have be- 
queathed. So long as we preserve our country, 
this fame cannot die, for it is reflected from the sur- 
face of every thing that is beautiful and valuable in 
our land. We cannot recur too often nor dwell too 
long on the lives and characters of such men; for 
our own will take something of their form and 
impression from those on which they rest. If we 
inhale the moral atmosphere in which they moved, 
we must feel its purifying and invigorating in- 
fluence." 
Howwas 19. Voices of joy throughout the Union welcom- 
iJrariin'" ed the declaration. From old and young, master 
by o''! and servant, the glad tones were echoed, America 
through- is, and of a ri^ht ought to be, a free andindepen- 
union? detit natioTi. 



Cliap. I. DECLARATION RECEIVED WITH JOY. 241 

20. In Virginia, the rejoicings were almost be- 1773 
yond description. The name of King George was ^v^^..^^ 
suppressed in all public prayers, and the great seal irvi^"® 
of the commonwealth represented Virtue as the 
tutelary genius of the province, trampling on ty- {Jf^'^Z/^^t 
ranny, under the figure of a prostrate man whose the'coL- 
crown had fallen from his head, and bearing in one weaith, 
hand a scourge and the other a chain. The words 

/Sic semper tyrannis were inscribed around the 
effigy of Virtue. The reverse represented Liberty 
with her wand and cap ; Ceres, with a horn of 
plenty in one hand and a sheaf of wheat in t'he 
other, and at the foot these words : Deus nobis hcsc 
otia fecit. 

21. In New York, the leaden statue of George wa^done 

' o wiihthe 

III. was taken down and converted into bullets. George°^ 

In Boston, thirteen salutes, corresponding to the New" 
number of American States, were fired, and Kins' 

. ' ' ^ What 

Street received the name of State street. The bells ^vasJone 

in Bos- 
rang out a joyous peal, while members of the coun- '°"' 

cil and House of Representatives, magistrates, 
clergymen: selectmen, assembled to hear the news 
proclaimed, and in the loud huzzas from the con- 
course of people, every voice joined. After ensigns 
of royalty, lions, crowns and sceptres were destroyed, whatdid 
the people felt that they were forever absolved from p'efeei? 
all allegiance to a tyrant's throne. 

22. The British ministry were confounded at ^j,^j -^ 
what they called the daring enormity of the colo- lhes°Ir- 
nists, in spurning their mighty power and authority, the But- 
They were surprised, that rebels dared to show i^hai^Jld 
such temper and spirit. Forthwith they determined termifie' 
by augmented forces to crush them at a blow, and 

11 



242 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. Part II. 

I7T6 to coerce them into a sense of duty and submission 

to their king. 
wh^for- 23. Doubting the competency of their own power 
princes to subjugate thc colonies, the Enghsh parhament, 

liid the . 1 1 • 1 /• /• • 

English at an immense expense, resorted to the aid oi loreign 
mentob- tj-Qops to prosecute their bloody work. They en- 
truops? ^gj.gjj jj^j^Q a^ treaty with several German princes to 
furnish 17,000 men, to aid in reducing the Ameri- 
what cans to vassalaffe. Besides the wao^es parliament 

was said .,, r ■ , .,*^. 

to be the paid these loreio^ners, thetermsm the treaties stipu- 

expense r o ? r 

iand"lf lated that thirty pounds sterling should be paid for 
tSfops) each soldier slain, and fifteen for each one disabled. 
It was asserted in the House of Lords,, that the ex- 
pense to England for these foreign troops was not 
J^me less than 1,500,000 pounds for one year. 
with the 24. With a horde of Hessians, BrunsAvickers, 
army, Waldcckcrs, English. Scotch and Irish came two 

and with ' ^ ' 

powers commissioners. Lord Howe and General Howe, 
ThJym- with powers to restore peace to the colonies, and 
J^'Jere grant pardon to such of his majesty's subjects as 
when did should deseiTC clemency. These royal commis- 
bTw'hom sioners landed at Staten Island on the 12th of July, 
they and about the same time Gen. Clinton arrived with 

joined? 

dTd^Gen. the shattered fleet from Charleston. The troops 
anive uudcr Gcu. Howc, whicli had evacuated Boston, 
Boston? reached Staten Island on the 2d of Julv, so that 

What " ' 

t'he'num the Biitish army here amounted to 24,000. When 
Enghsf^ the Hessian troops joined, the army would consist 
thearri- of 35,000 of the best drilled soldiers in Europe. 

valofthe ' ^ 



JJl^g, 25. In June, Gen. Howe had announced his 
Sa- proclamation of pardon to all well-disposed rebels, 
did Gen. aiid piomiscd a large remuneration to an}'^ who 
^iJ^gV" should aid in re-establishing the royal authority. 



Chap. I. INSOLENCE REBUKED. 243 

Congress boldly and wisely caused this proclama- it-y© 
tion to be printed with accompanying remarks, ^~^ 
showing the people its insidious nature, and ad- Seafthll 
vising them to be true to their own cause. mauon? 

26. The commissioners then dispatched Col. who was 

* dispatch- 

Patterson, adjutant- general of the British army to fe'iteri^^o 

Gen. Washington at New York with letters re- StS? 

specting their mission, but as the letters were not J^^.^efuse 

directed in a manner expressive of his official cei/e" 

capacity, his Excellency refused to receive them. 

27. In a few days after, Col. Patterson asfain how was 

"^ . ^ o the next 

waited on Gen. Washington, with a letter directed Jfle^ed'^" 
to George Washington^ Esq., 4*c., 4*^., 4'^., which Ingtont' 
they hoped would remove all difficulty, as the three 
et ceteras might be understood to imply every 
thino^ that ouffht to follow. Gen. Washinsrton ab- 

1,11-. • . , • 1 , ,? , Why did 

soluteiy declmed receivmg this letter, addmg that f^e refuse 
as the three et ceteras might mean every thing, thlraiso? 
they might also mean any thing, and he must 
have all public letters directed to him according to 
his rank. 

28. Col, Patterson then said that the letters con- whatdid 

Patter- 

tained offers of pardon, (fee, to which Gen. Wash- 'a" and" 
ington coolly replied, that the Americans had wafthe 
committed no wrong, and therefore wanted no par- 
dons ; they were only defending what they deemed 
their indisputable rights. Col. Patterson mani- 
fested great solicitude that the letters might be 
received, and a reconciliation take place. Qi^w. of what 

r was 

Washington with firmness and dignity refused. ^iSJi" 

29. Gen. Washington was well assured that and'wh4t 
warlike operations would speedilv follow, and forth- "ons . 

A J J 7 vvere im- 

with preparations were made to fortify New York, {^^Sfj 



Wash- 
ington : 



244 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. Part II. 

11 'J a and increase the army. The possession of New 
•vvt^y^id York was a favorite object of the British, on 
£h wifh account of its central situation^ and the ease with 
pps°es-'" which possession could be maintained. In April, 

sion of 

York? Gen. Washington had fixed his head-quarters in 

\\here that city, and endeavored by every means in his 

ESi's power to prepare for its defense. 

Suarters? 30. The greatest part of his army was stationed 

Where in New York, while a division was ordered to Can- 
was the • Ti 

»'^y. ada, and another left m Massachusetts. Two de- 

pnnci- 5 

tioned?' tachments guarded Governor's Island and Paulus 
Where Hook, whilc Gcu. Clintou with some militia, 
ciintmi observed New Rochelle, East and West Chester, in 

station- ' , ' 

for whit o'dcr to prevent the British from landing on the 
purpose? j^^j.^^^ Gen. Greene had been ordered in the 

What 

Greene" Spring to occupy liOng Island, and had thoroughly 

tolfjf examined the ground, estabhshed his posts, and 

made great preparations for meeting the enemy. 

whostic- At this most critical moment he was seized with a 

ceeded i • i i i • /• 

hL'si'^k bilious fever, which prostrated hmi for many days. 
whywRs Putnam was ordered to succeed him, and from 
pt^edflr his ignorance of the ground, was unprepared, in 
every way, for an efficient defense. His army 
his^'armj- occupicd Brooklyu, the left wing resting on Walla- 
occupy? i^Q^^^ ga^y . j^jg yjorht was bordered by a marsh near 

Where J ? O -' 

S- Gowannus Cove. Gen. Sullivan guarded the coast 
forces? and the road from Bedford to Jamaica. 

31. The continental army numbered only 10,514 
eflfective soldiers, and these were so circumstanced 
^""^' that but a small part could be brought into action. 
Howma- Thirteen thousand troops were ordered to join the 
ordered^ armv, which with the invalids and men destitute 

to join it? *^ 1 , • 1 oi~ nnrx 

of armsj would mcrease the number to /i/,UUU. 



What 
was the 
number 
of the 



Chap. I. BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND. 245 

32. On the 22d of August, the British forces -i^^^^ 6 
under Generals Clinton, Cornwallis, Percy, and ^.^^^ 
Giant, landed on the southern shore of Long Island, where 
causing the inhabitants to flee in terror before EnsUsh 

forces 

them. Many of them fired their own houses and if^"'^/"^ 

-' wh;it did 

stacks of grain, to prevent their becoming British Kibiumts 
property. The two armies w^ere about four miles thei^V 
distant, separated by a ran2:e of hills running from Bywhut 

7 r J ^ o wgre the 

east to west. t^--p 

33. Over these hills called the heights of Gowan- '^'"'''*- 

^ Describe 

nus were three roads : one by the Narrows, through jJe^^'IJ^- 



:ites 
V hich 



which Gen. Grant passed ; another by Flatbush, ^; 
through which the Hessians under Gen. Heister my took. 
marched ; and the third road by way of Flatlands, 
which was taken by the column under Gen. Clin- 
ton. It was important that these passes should 
have been thoroughly guarded, but Gen. Chnton 
on the morning of the 27th gained possession of S'^''^ 
one of the defiles without any resistance. The make"to 
British were seen advancing: on the other roads, and thl at- 



'O v^»- -.^^v^ ^^^^^l i^l*,..^. 



tenMon 

the 

Ameri- 



the American troops were drawn up from their °f, 
camps to oppose them. from his 

34. These movements of the enemy proved to be fore"? 
only feints to divert the attention of Gen. Putnam 
from the main body, who were cautiously and 
silently advancing under (^en. Clinton by the road ^^^^ 
on the left. Early on the morning o'f the 28th, an ^"hom 
attack was made by the Hessians and a detach- Xck'® 
ment under Gen. Grant. The Americans were 
fighting bravely when first informed of the approach 

of Gen. Clinton, who had passed round to the left. 

35. In this desperate situation, the afl^righted 
Americans had no safety but in retreat. They 



246 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 



Part II. 



1T16 endeavored to regain their camp, but were inter- 
what cepted by the light infantry and dragoons of Gen. 
fiifuadon Chnton, who drove them back on the Hessians. 
Clinton An awful scene of butchery took place during a 
proach- succession of attacks and many were taken prison- 
ers. For six hours several regiments of the Amer- 
Sfe'ai^^ icans under Lord Stirling, continued fighting in 
*'°" this desperate manner, but being ignorant of the 
movements made by Gen. Clinton, their retreat 



VICINITY OF NEW YORK. 




The British army occupied the plain extending: Irom the Narrows to 
commanded the left vvmgnear the cooijt, De Heister, with the Hessian 
Sir Henry Clinton the right. 



The city of New 
York stands on the 
south-east end of 
an island anciently 
named Manhattan, 
but now called by the 
name of the city. The 
Hudson or North riv- 
er bounds it on the 
west. It is about iif- 
teen miles long, and 
only two broad. The 
American army was 
posted partly at New 
York and partly on 
Long Island. On the 
2d of July the Brit- 
ish landed without 
oppo.<ition on Staten 
Island, which lies on 
the coast of New Jer- 
sey, and is separjited 
from Long Island by a 
channel called the 
Narroics. 

The American divi- 
sion on the island, 
about 11,000 strong, 
occupied a fortified 
camp at Brooklyn, op- 
posite New York, un- 
der the command of 
Putnam, Sullivan, and 
Brigadi'r-general Lord 
Sterling. 

On the 22d of Au- 
gust Gen. Howe de- 
termined to com- 
inence active ope.a- 
tions, and crossed the 
Nanows without op- 
position, and liinded 
on Long Island be- 
tween Utrecht and 
Gravesend. A range 
of woody hills run- 
ning from the Nar- 
rows to Jamaica sep- 
arated the two armies. 
Flatbush. Gen. Grant 
troops, the centre, and 



V: 



Chap. I. BATTLE OP LONG ISLAND. 247 

was intercepted. Many, however, broke through i^^^ 
and escaped to the lines. 

36. The Americans defended themselves with jn^^.^.t 

great bravery, but were vmequal to the contest, erfemy^ 

The British possessed the most decided advantage the'iut- 

in numbers, artillery, discipline, and experience. 

That Washington should be able to keep the field Jf'jJ^eS^" 

at all, with these ever shifting, undisciplined, unfur- ciTimed 

nished troops, has been proclaimed a wonder : much ihut 

I ' t^ ' Wash- 

stranger it is, that lie should ever have riske'd them ^^f^^^^ 

in open fight. Not that they lacked bravery or^fketp 

patriotism, or that they could not form squares to wfthihe 

repel cavalry, or display their ranks to make a "^^^^^^"^ 

charge ; but they could not even change front in '"^"'^• 

battle^ or execute the most simple manoeuvre to 

prevent being outflanked, without being thrown into 

greater or less disorder. 

37. In this instance. British discipline triumphed whla did 

1 ' • 11 f English 

over the mere desperation and bravery of raw f^i\-^ 
troops, whose officers even were not acquainted wflh ""'^'*' 
the science of war. The American loss, according v™he 
to Gen. Washino^ton's computation, was 1,000. can, and 

^ r 3 J what the 

Among the prisoners were Generals Sullivan and ,o"f''aid 
Stirling, and 82 other officers of various ranks. wItc 
The British loss was estimated at 4.50. th^Tns- 

oiiers ? 

38. This battle was considered the most* unskil- what is 
ful and imprudent one fous^ht durinar the war. this bat- 

^ » & tie, ,i„j 

Had the British shown sufficient energy, all the ""^^^^f 
Americans except the cavalry might have been ^i^r% 
secured or slain. The battle was fought against 
the advice and wish of Washington, and but for 
his consummate skill and energy, the whole army 
would have been lost. 



218 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. p„^ U, 

17 7 6 39- Di^ning the engagement, Gen. Washington 
Mh:iti3 crossed over from New York to Brooklyn, and his 



Wash" stout heart was moved to anguish, on seeing so 
lllfslw^ many of his best men slausrhtered. Had he, in this 

8o many •' ^ 

of his 

men 



moment of affliction, acted from impulse or for vaiii- 
tVedi' gloiy, he might have drawn all his troops from the 

encampment and from New York, but on mature 

deliberation, he decided to preserve his army for 

the future. 
Where 40. Geu.' Greene tossing on his sick bed, heard 



was 



the ac- 
tion, and 
what is 
said of 



Greene thc thuuder of the first cannon as it shook the 

during 

house in which he lay helpless, and half rising 
from his feverish couch, he clasped his hands, ex- 
claiming on the affliction of " beiiig confined at 
such a timer His brave heart was wrung with 
such sorrow as only heroes know, and as the up- 
roar of the combat increased, his agitation became 
* intense. Explosion after explosion shook his bed, 
and constant inquiries were made as to the fate of 
tli« battle. At last, when told that his favorite 
regiment had been terribly handled, and cut to 
pieces, he could contain himself no longer, but burst 
into an agony of tears. 
What is '^1- After this distressing defeat, our army re- 
theVmy treated within then- lines at Brooklyn, and were 
defeat?' exposed-to the greatest hazard; the troops fatigued 
and discouraged by defeat, a superior enemy in 
their front, and a powerful fleet about to enter the 

"What ' r 

?encd it ^ast river with a view of effectually cutting off 
deTuc- their retreat ; the care of Providence, and the w^is-- 

dom and vigilance of Washington, preserved them 

from destruction. 

42. Having resolved to withdraw his troops from 



Chap. 1. Washington's retreat. 249 

their hazardous position, he crossed over to the Isl- ii^ja 
and on the night of the 29th of August, and in ^^^^^ 
person conducted the retreat in so successful a man- t"hat° 
ner, under circumstances the most tryinsr, that ittheurmy 
is considered a remarkable example of good gener- 
alship. A circumstance, which is remarked as J'^J^^ 
manifestly providential, is, that a thick fog envel- ckcum- 
oped the whole of Long Island in obscurity about remark- 
2 o'clock in the morning, which at this season of 
the year is quite unusual, while the atmosphere on 
the opposite bank was perfectly clear. 

43. About 8 o'clock in the evening, the troops Describe 

, . , ., 4*1 their re- 

begari to move m the greatest silence. A violent treat. 
north-east wind, and the ebb tide, which rendered 
the current very rapid, prevented the passage. 
Many hearts beat anxiously, for much depended 
on this retreat. Suddenly and unexpectedly the 
wind veered to the north-west. They were imme- 
diately wafted over, and in a few moments landed 
in New York. 

r 44. Never was any movement more manifestly 
favored by Providence, and the Americans felt and stances 

•^ ' _ are given 

openly acknowledged the especial care of God in tt"Tntef- 
so signally favoring their sale retreat. The wind of'Frovi- 
seemed to change, at one time, exactly to their 
need, and at another, an unusual fog veiled them 
from an enemy so near, that the sound of their 
pick-axes was plainly heard. 

45. The field artillery, tents, baggage, and 9,000 
men were conveyed over a river upward of a mile 
wide and landed at New York in less than 13 hours. 
Gen. Washington saw one regiment after another 
safely depart, and, notwithstanding the entreaties 

11* 



250 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. p^rt II. 

lY^o of his officers, was the last to leave the shore. 
In a few minutes after the rear-guard had left the 
lines, they were entered by the British. 
vvhat 46. Lord Howe, supposing that the hostile spirit 
jifLofd of the rebels must have been humbled by this de- 
fend to feat, sent a message to Congress stating that his 
defeat?'^ Lordship was desirous of a conference with some 
of the members as private gentlemen. The mem- 
bers did not consider themselves justified in doing 
wi^^the this ; but, ever desirous of establishing a peace on 
Con- reasonable terms, offered to send a committee to 

gress? ' 

inquire whether his lordship had any authority to 
treat with persons authorized by Congress for this 
purpose, and what that authority was, and also to 
hear such propositions as he should think proper to 
make. 
Who 47. Aceordinffly Dr. Franklin, John Adams, and 

•were ap- '^ •' ' ^ ' 

ui'mee't Edward Rutledge, were chosen to meet with Lord 
Howe? jjQ^^.g Qjj Staten Island. The first proposition of 
What his lordship was, that the colonies should return to 
propo>i- their allegiance and obedience to the government 

tion of *^ ^ 

"owe? of Great Britain. The committee replied, " It is 
^vhat iiot to be expected after the contempt with Avhich 
S^of our former humble petitions have been treated ; 
mittee? aud it was not till the last act of parliament, which 
denounced war against us, and put us out of the 
king's protection, that we declared our independ- 
ence, and now it is too late for oppressed and indig- 
nant people to return to a dependent state." The 
committee conducted the business with great dig- 
nity and judgment. 

48. Gen. Washington finding New York city an 
unsafe place, as he was in danger of being sur- 



Chap. I. WASHINGTON'S RETREAT. 2§1 

rounded, retired with his whole army about nine i^y^e 
miles to the north. This also was a hazardous ^^jjj~~ 
undertaking ; but he was allowed by a protecting mentdid 
Providence to effect it — thousrh under a heavy in^ton 

, •' make, 

cannonade from the British shipping. and why:- 

49. A circumstance occurred on the route which y^^^^ 



circum- 



y 



excited considerable interest. Major-general Put- si 
nam, at the head of 3,500 continental troops, was 
in the rear, and the last that left the city. In order 
to avoid any of the enemy that might be advancing 
by the main road, he chose another near the North 
river, and parallel with it. But at the same time 
he little suspected, while he was swiftly marching 
with his weary and dispirited soldiers, that a body 
of 8,000 British and Hessians was advancing on the 
same road. Most fortunately for the fate of the 
Americans, the British generals seeing no prospect 
of engaging our troops, halted their own and re- 
paired to the mansion of Mr. Robert Murray, a house 

* . were the 

firm friend to the cause of American independence, ^^li^ 
f Mrs. Murray kindly offered them cake and wine, *'*'"^'^- 
and they were induced to tarry there some hours. 

50. In the mean time, the soldiers of Putnam 
reached the cross road, and thus escaped a ren- 
counter with a greatly superior force. Ten minutes 
more would have been sufficient to have brought 
them together, and thus cut off Gen. Putnam's 
retreat. Mrs. Murray was often afterward noticed 
in terms of high commendation. 

51. The enemy immediately took possession of 
the city. A few days cifierward a most destructive 

fire broke out and raged so violently, that about said^of 
1,000 houses were consumed. Some of the finest 



292 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. Part II. 

1TT6 edifices were destroyed. It was estimated, that 
about one-quarter of the city was laid waste. Some 
supposed the disaster Avas occasioned by American 
emissaries, and others maintained that it was purely 
accidental. 
What 52. It w^as found, by sad experience, that 

perietiM little dependence could be placed on an army of 

taught .,. . ^ , r ■ T • T 

the . militia, whose terms of service w^ere so hmited, 

Amen- " ' 

res"pect that they were continually passing from the 

enlist-**' camp to their farms. It had been the fond hope 

of the Americans, that the struggle for their inde- 

whatj pendence would not be of long continuance, and 

dpihie of thousands, after the battle of Lexington, rushed 

t eaim>. ^-j.^j^^ their farms to the scene of action. Many of 

the soldiers were indulged in the privilege of 

choosing their own officers, who too frequently 

proved unqualified to discharge their duties in a 

manner advanta.geous to the public service. 

53. After the unfortunate battle of Long Island, 
the militia deserted theii colors by hundreds, and 
in some instances, whole regiments disbanded. 
From These inconveniences proceeded, in some meas- 

what did 1 • i • i • r r-i 

these in- ^rc, irom the mabilitv of Lonffress to remunerate 



conve 
niences 
arise ? 



the troops for their expenses and toil during the 
war, but the state of affairs became alarming, and 
threatened a dissolution of the army. 

54. At this critical moment, the energetic mind 
of Washington strove earnestly to arrest this fear- 
ful spirit of disorganization. He plainly assured 
eress? Congress, that unless furnished with a permanent 
army, to remain with him until the termination of 
the war, he must despair of success. Hitherto they 
had been unwilling to incur the expense of a stand- 



Whatdid 
Wash- 
ington 
plainly 
assure 



was each 
man to 
receive 7 



Chap. I. STANDING ARMY. S53 

ing force, but they now were aware of the absolute t^ie 
necessity of the case, and forthv^ith resolved to raise whatdid 
one of about 75,000 men, to serve for three years, Lfveto 
or during the war. 

55. These troops were to be systematically ar- 
ranged ; and to encourage enlistments, each soldier J^Jjat^ 
was to receive a bounty of twenty dollars, besides 
his rations and wages, and one hundre'd acres of 
land if he served until the close of the war. The 
officers were to receive from two to five hundred 
acres — in proportion to their rank. 

56. Some time must of necessity elapse before a 
better state of afl'airs could be brought about, and 
Washington endeavored to cheer the little band of S^iTh-"^"^ 
ill-found at]d disheartened soldiers, by the hope of cheer"hi« 

. , . men? 

eventual success, when, m the enjoyment of a free 
government, they might enjoy the peaceful pleas- 
ures of home. Seeing around him a large and vic- 
torious army, eager to oppose him, he manoeuvred 
with great dexterity without risking a general en- 
gagement. 

57. On the 16th of September the Americans what ad- 
gained an advantage over the British, who had ^^^3^^^ 
sought to obtain possession of two roads, leading ^y'the 
east, from which Washington received his supplies. *=^"'*- 
Major Leitch was mortally wounded at the head of 

his detachment, and the brave Col. Knowlton was 
killed. The Americans lost about fifty men, killed and 
wounded, and the enemy more than one hundred. 

58. On the 28th of October, a detachment of our 
army under Gen. Lee, opposing a large force under what 

/"< rn- i -r\ XT • ^ 1 • generals 

(jrens. Clinton ana De Heister, eng-aeced in warm oi-uosed 

' t? £3 Gen Lee 

skirmishes near White Plains and th© river Bronx. ?>*£?''* 



Who 

were 
among 
the 
killed? 



2'; J REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 



Part II, 



1TT6 Neither party could claim any advantage, and there 
' was considerable loss on both sides. That of the 

With British, by their own accounts, was 350 killed, and 
success? 670 wounded and prisoners. As a great number 
of the American militia retired from the field in 
disorder, the proper return of their loss w^as not ex- 
actly ascertained. 
\ 59. A great number of Hessians and Waldeckers 
fell into the hands of the Americans, and, contrary 
What to their expectations, received very kind treatment. 
^T\vit "^^^^ British, in order to increase their ferocity, had 
received led them to believe that if they were taken prison- 
ers, the Americans would most barbarously stick 
their bodies full of splinters and burn them to death. 
60. As a strong reinforcement of British troops 
Why did under Lord Percy arrived, Gen. Washington left 
thfnk" 1"^ unsafe position on the night of the 30th, and 
!*etlre*?o retired to North Castle, about five miles distant. 
c^tfe? He left here 7,500 men under Gen. Lee, and crossed 
the Hudson into New Jersey, and took post near 

Whv had ' . 

leeVr'"" f'ort Lee, situated on the North river about ten 
Forir' ^^ miles from New York. Garrisons had been left 
ingtoa here and at Fort Washington, opposite to Fort Lee, 

in Older to preserve the command oi the Hudson. 

About 2,700 men, under Col. Magaw, w^ere sta- 
Zn?- tioned at Fort Washington. 

TFoft'^ 61. These were attacked on the 16th of Novem- 
ingtoa? ber, by four divisions of the enemy in different quar- 
S.raf ' ters. The little band fought long and bravely, and 
Fort °" several times drove back the enemy with great 

^iish- . . Ill 

ingtpn? slaughter ; their ammunition was nearly exhausted ; 
were ouc outpost after another was forced in, and they 
obfLd ptill refused the summons to surrender. But they 

toywld? 



eiijap, I. RETREAT TO NEWAKK. 255 

found it useless to witlistaiid combined attacks in so n^jg 
many directions, and yielded on honorable terms. ^■ 

62. The British sustained the loss of about ^.j,.^j 
1,200 killed and wounded. The Americans lost k.sUn^ 
about 400 killed or wounded, and the remain- sides? 
der of the garrison was captured. It is said that 
General Washinsrton was so situated, that he 

- ° ^ How was 

could have a view of the attack, and when he ^^p;^^. 
saw his brave men bayoneted while begging for aS"ed 
quarter, he wept, and exclaimed bitterly against cn>ei ' 
the savage deed. 

63. Fort Lee was soon afterward evacuated by 
Gen. Greene, in order to save the troops fi'om. ^^.^^^^ j^ 
being captured, but they lost their stores, tents and the'evac- 

, nation of 

bag"lXasre. FonLee? 

Gen. Washington's force was augmented by the 
srarrison from Fort Lee ; but even then it only 

° ' . -^ What 

numbered 3,000 men, destitute of tents, blankets, n\;'^be? 
or even cooking utensils. With these troops he dltionTf 
retreated to Newark with a steadfast heart and ington's 

army ? 

serene countenance. 

64. Ever relying on God for support and direction, 
he moved calmly forward amid the darkest ^^ 
storms, assured that even defeat in battle, insults S*^"" 
of foes, orinscratitude and treachery in friends, would inffton 

1, 1 . /■ , . , relyinall 

eventually work together lor good to those whose his trials? 
cause was blessed of God. Here we still behold 
Washington in this darkest hour in American 
history, firmly trusting in an overruling Piovi- 
dence, calling on those around him to exercise the 
same faith, and cheering them in their toilsome 
marches. 

65. Darker and darker gi'ew the cloud above 



2j5 revolutionary war. Part ll. 

ii<je them. Every day ushered in some unlooked-for 
What is calamity. In their retreat through New Jersey, 
thifskua- they were exposed in an open country in mid- 
dreary winter, without tents to shelter their scantily clothed 

prospect ' ^ •'^ 

alray*^'^ fomis — poorly fed, without instruments to intrench 

themselves, and in the midst of a population of 

mmy oi'' tories. Many of the soldiers, both militia and regu- 

dieis'do? lars, alarmed at the fearful prospect before them, 

deserted in bodies. 
AVhat ^^- ^^^^^ Washington pressed onward, while 

\vS'^''^ exulting thousands of the enemy, well fed and con- 
fident, pursued. From Newark, Washington suc- 
cessfully retreated to Brunswick, then to Princeton 
and Trenton, and finally across the Delaware with 
Hovvma- ^^c cneuiy often in sight. Here again a call was 
cuizen?^ made for reinforcements from New Jersey and 
deiphia""" Pennsylvania, and to the honor of the latter, 1,500 

respond- j i 

of the citizens of Philadelphia came promptly to 



take in 
his re- 
treat? 



ed to the 
cull lor 



foJce- the aid of Washington. They cheerfully abandon- 
ed their comfortable fire-sides, and for the love they 
bore tlieir country, were content to spend the 
nights in tents or barns, and oftentimes in the 
open air in mid- winter. 

What is 67. It was crenerally asrreed, that in this distres- 
sing retreat through New Jersey and over the Dela- 
ware, under the most pressing difiiculties, Wash- 
ington displayed the talents and wisdom of a great 
military commander, endowed with unfailing re- 
sources of mind. 

68. Gen. Howe, again availing himself of the 



Wash- 
in jrton 
durine 
this re 
treat ? 



What 



procia forlorn condition of the continentals, issued another 
proclamation, couched in haughty style, demand- 
ing submission to the king's authority within sixty 



Its 
emands 
obeyed? 



When 
1 tha 



Chap. I. Washington's retreat. 257 

days from the date of the paper. Two of the i^tg 
members of the continental Congress, Mr. Gallo- ^ow 
way and Mr. Allen, accepted pardon, and submit- de'i 
ted to kingly rule — but the greater part of the 
American people rejected the offer, though told 
that the orallows would be the alternative. 

69. On the day that our army ^was driven over J 
the Delaware, the British, with a fleet and 600 of ^C^!^ 
the army, took possession of Rhode Island without sion'^of 
any opposition, many of the inhabitants being i*i^^'«i' 
friendly to the royal cause. 

Congress resolved, on the 12th of December, that ^^-j,at 
it be recommended to all the United States, as soon ^oWeT 
as possible, to appoint a day of fasting and humil- ^^-^^ 
iation, imploring God to show favor to them in this »' ^ec? 
time of affliction. 

70. They resolved also to retire for safety to Bal- ^vhy did 
timore, knowini^f it to be the intention of the enemy leiue 

. ' o _ -^ Philadel- 

to possess themselves of the city of Philadelphia, p'^'a? 
Washington, during his retreat, had ordered Gen. 
Lee to join him from White Plains with all possible ^y^^^^^^. 
speed, but Lee refused to move. Day after day cen.^Lei 
pat^sed by, and still no reinforcements appeared. S^*"' 
At length he saw fit by slow marches to put his ington? 
troops in motion, but on the route, as a just punish- 
ment for his disobedience, he was taken prisoner. 

7L For some unaccountable reason, he had taken ^.^^^^^g^g 
up his lodgings at a liouse three or four miles from his j^shedin 
troops in the heart of a disaffected and tory coun- 'li-m-eof 

, .... hi-! corn- 

try. Information of this astonishing fact Avas soon '^''^'"'^ 

given, and a body of light-horse under Col. Har- describe 

court surrounded the house, and made Gen. Lee Sr ot'"' 

prisoner. Here was another untoward disaster ture/ 



253 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 



Part II. 



1-7 6 for the Americans. The first major-general of 

their army hurried off as prisoner by a party of 

dragoons, without hat or cloak, to New York, in 

triumph. 

-What 72. Many suspicions were aroused by this sin- 

Jwoa- srular event. Considerinar his protracted disobe- 

blythe °. . , „ f ... 1 

reasonof dienccj ui the moment of the most critical danger to 

Lee's dis- « o 

o?dei'"f the army, and knowing the unbounded ambition 

^of Gen. Lee, we have no doubt but he delayed, that 

Washington and his dispirited band might fall into 

the-hands of the enemy, and the supreme command 

devolve on himself. 

What of 7'3. Gen. Lee was a man of great military ex- 

multary pcrieuce, had fought in European battles, and been 

ledge? a chosen friend and aid-de-camp of the king of 

Poland, and knew perfectly well what belonged to 

every subordinate officer, and that there could be 

no greater act of disobedience, than to refuse orders 

i like those of Washington. We shall see in pur- 

j suing our history, how the wicked are punished 

from their ow^n actions, while the good are rewarded 

by w^alkinsr in accordance with the law^s of God. 

Who -^ ° 

now took 74, Gen. SuUivan now^ took command of Gen. 

com- 

his dh? Lee's division, and hastened to join the main army, 
^vhatXl thus augmenting it to 7,000 effective men. With 
these. Gen. Washington resolved, with all the ener- 
ZSion Sy ^^ ^^^ mighty spirit, to make one fearful strug- 
>vlsh- gle. He dared not go into Avinter-quarters in the 
takeT midst of such a season of gloom — almost of despair. 
Who At Trenton, on the other side of the icy waters of 

were sta- ' •' 

j;^';,^2 tl^6 Delaware, were stationed 1,500 Hessians ; while 
slde^of farther on, at different places, were several other 

thfi Dela- , , 

ware? detachments. 



Cliap. I. CROSSING THE DELAWARE. 259 

75. Headley says, that the noble form of Wash- j^^q 
ington, on the night of the 25th of December, just whatia 
at dusk, stood on the shore of the Delaware. His w'lif 
horse, saddled and bridled, was near him. while all hc'su-od 
around w^ere heard the rumbling of artillery wagons, ^^'.f,.^^f'^- 
and the confused sounds of marching men and 
hasty orders. The deep, sullen stream went swiftly 

by, and the angry heavens betokened a cold and 
stormy night. 

76. As he stood thus and watched, there stole why did 

, , . . 1 1 r • • solemn 

over his maiestic countenance a look oi mexpressi- fedmgs 

'' ' steal over 

ble solemnity. Before the morning the fate of that ^un? 
gallant army would be fixed, and the next rising 
sun would shine down on his country lifted from 
its depth of despondency, or sunk still deeper in 
ruin. Events big with the fate of the army and 
the nation were crowding to their development, and 
his soul was absorbed in their contemplation. 

77. At lenffth the boats were launched amid the Describe 

o the pas- 

floating ice, and were soon struggling in the centre thf„ver. 
of the stream. The night was dark and cold — the 
wind swept by in gusts, and amid the roar of the 
water and crashing of the ice were heard the loud 
words of command and shouts of the men. 

78. The boats, forced backward and forward by 
the icy fra;gments, became scattered in the gloom, and 
would have been thrown into confusion, but for the 
friend of Washington, Knox, who, standing on the 
farther shore, kept shouting through the darkness said'^o/ 
with his stentorian voice, thus indicating the point '^f^'^ 
for which they were to steer. There too stood Wash- ^''[he" 
ington, hour after hour, with that stransrelv calm, menfiof 

° ' . ' ^ ^ ' his men? 

yet determmed face, while his soul was racked with 



260 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 



Part II. 



ma anxiety as the night waned rapidly away, and his 
Aft„ distracted army still struggled in the midst of the 
lufd • icy stream. All nio^ht lonsr did he stand there, on 

crossed y ^ . "= . ^ , . ' 

thej^iver, tlic irozcn sliorc, urgmg on his w^eary troops — now 
Td^the looking anxiously at his watch, and now striving 
divfsioLs to pierce the gloom that covered the water. 
army 79. At leng-th, at four o'clock in the morninsr, the 

take, and ^ ' o' 

wSs'their columns got under way, and pressed rapidly for- 

S'"^' ward. Sulhvan, with one column, took the road 

Dec. 26. beside the river, while Washington, with Greene, 

took a parallel road, intending to enter Trenton in 

Describe different points at the same time. It was still 

march, dark, and just then, as if in hg^rmony with the 

scene, a storm of snow and hail arose, driving full 

in the soldiers' faces. Their clothes were soaked 

with wet, and the muskets, many of them, rendered 

unfit for use. Still, in reply to the fearful question, 

I " What is to be done?" the disheartening intelli- 

^4 gence w^as given, " Advance and charge f" 

80. Nearing the Hessian picket, Washington 
ordered the guns to be unlimbered, and the whole 
column to advance. Still riding in front, vidiere 
the first volley must fall, his friends became alarm- 
ed for his safety, and again and again besought 
him to fall back to a place of greater security. But 
he rode sternly forward amid their guns, with the 
storm beating furiously on his noble brow, every 
lineament of his countenance revealing the unal- 
teiable purpose of his soul. 

81. The thunder of cannon Avas now heard 
through the storm from Sullivan's division ; and 
Stark, with the advance guard, had already 
broken into the streets, and with a battle shout 



What is 
said of 
Wash- 
ington ? 



Chap. I. BATTLE OF TRENTON. 261 

aovvke the Hessians from their dream of security. I'f '?^ 
The smoke of the artillery curled around the form Describe 
of Washington, as, still beside them, he moved on mctf" "" 
and calmly pointed out the different objects on 
which the fire should be directed. 

82. All now was confusion — the clattering of 
flying horsemen sounding through the streets, offi- 
cers hurried to and fro to rally their men, and 
shouts and cries rung through the air in every 
direction. Just then, the enemy wheeled two can- 
non into the street up which the column of Wash- 
ington was advancing. Young Monroe, afterward 
one of our presidents, and Capt. Washington, a re- 
lative of the commander-in-chief, immediately 
sprung forward with their men, charged up to the 
very muzzles, and took them, although the lighted 
matches were already descending on the pieces. 
When the smoke lifted, these two gallant officers 
were both seen reclinins^ in the arms of their fol- 
lowers, w^ounded, though not mortally. 

83. The Americans pressed onward, bearing ^^^^ 
down all opposition, until the enemy, confused and Te'suft 
terrified, struck their flags. At a gallop Washing- tie? 
ton dashed forward, exclaiming to one of his offi- . 
ceis, ^This is a glorious day for our country P^ 

Col. Rahl, the commanding officer, was mortally 
wounded, and seven other wounded officers were 
left on parole at Trenton. 

84. About 35 soldiers were killed, 60 wounded, 
and 948, including 30 officers, were taken prison- -vv^at 
ers, amounting in all to 1,048. Of oiu* troops, not fiT'^ 
more than 10 were killed and wounded. Gen. jn^ton 

take af- 

Washington recrossed the Delaware the same day jf/hS^ 



262 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR. p^j^ j. 



1TT6 ill triumph, bringing off six excellent brass cannon, 
1,200 small arms, three standards, and a quantity 
of baggage. This was a brilliant achievement, 
and was every where considered a master stroke in 
the art of war. 

What 85. The Hessian prisoners were allowed to retain 

was done *■ 

HeiiaS^ their baggage, and sent into Pennsylvania with 
er"!and strict orders from Washington, that they should be 
they cau treated with kindness. This was unexpected to 

.Wash- ^ 

ington? them and called forth emotions of gratitude and 
veneration for Washington, whom they called a 
"very good reheV''' 

What 86. The British were astonished, that an army, 

were the • j 7 

o?thf^ which they considered as on the point of annihi- 
on'hear- lation, should dare to attack them. They were 
battle? idly reposing, in the hope that one battle would 

forever crush the rebellion, as they termed our war. 

In their march through New Jersey, they had com- 
^.j^^j mitted such outrageous ravages and indiscriminate 
haJfihey pluuder. as must be*deemed disgraceful to any peo- 
ted"m'".ple. Hundreds of inoffensive inhabitants were 
«ey? stripped of their clothing, and exposed, in the midst 

of horrid insults and indecencies, to the inclemency 

of the season. 



What did 
Waih- 



87. The cries of the oppressed were heard, and 
d!ft^r" reinforcements of milkia and troops enabled Wash- 

mine to . . i t-. i • • -iv t 

tin? mgton agam to cross the Delaware mto New Jer- 
what ^^y-) ^^^^ ^^^® ^^® enemy under Cornwallis, who had 
amouSt been dispatched from New York with a large army 
Enehsh to retrieve the heavy disasters of Trenton. Wash- 
fol^sT ij^gton had 4,700 men, only 1,200 of whom were 
regulars, while Cornwallis was at the head of 8,000 



Cliap. I. POSITION OF THE ARMIES. 263 

veteran troops, well supplied with dragoons and .lH® 
artillery. 

88. Detachments of the Americans were sent ;^^ hat or- 

ders were 

forward to harass the march of Cornwallis, with ^{-'1,*^^!'^ 
orders to dispute every inch of the ground. Bravely '""^°" ' 
they obeyed their command, bearing up gallantly 
against the advancing host, until at sunset, the two 
armies, drawn up for battle, stood front to front, in 
terrific uproar from the cannon on both' sides. 
Washington's situation was one of peril, with a su- fhe'meet- 
perior enemy in front, and the Delaware river in two ar- 

* •' ' mies. 

the rear. 

89. A successful attack on our army would S'^he 
prove its ruin. But he relied on Providence, as he ofwa°h- 
told his troops before facing the enemy — " Main- and what 
tain every inch of your position till night, and trust tToVp"?'^ 
to Providence for the rest." When the gathering 
shades of evening deepened, Cornwallis, contrary to Se'iimd^ 
the repeated remonstrances of his officers, com- ^''ovi- 

. • - . . , ^ ^ ' dence 

manded the attack to cease vmtil daylight. Here shown? 
was shown the kind care of Providence in which the 
Commander-in-chief trusted. 

90. Forthwith Washington bes^an to extricate "o^^iid 
himself from this perilous situation, and here again eSlte 
we see the skill and address of a great general. In fn^ his 
the evenino^ he ordered a number of blazinar fires f^^--^- 
to be kindled in his camp, leaving men to keep them jan. s. 
burning, and to work on the intrenchments to de- 
ceive his antagonist. / 

91. Rousing his weary men, he bade them J^l^^^"'- 
silently move on by a circuitous route. The given, 
weather was very cold, and the nisrht dark, but were °^ 

•^ ' ^ ' . they 

they cheerfully followed their general, without noise obeyed? 



264 REVOLITIONARY WAR. ^^^.^ u, 

it'l'j or interriiptioi! of any kind, until 9 o'clock the next 
morning, when they attacked and routed three 

What regiments of the British stationed at Princeton. 

loss of^ The enemy lost about 500 men, by this well-timed 

ish? manoeuvre. Our loss was small numerically, but a 
beloved and gallant form lay prostrate in death, 
'Wer whom many tears were shed. 

What is ^^- Brigadier-general Mercer, finding himself in 

Si°* the hands of the enemy, submitted, but they, deaf 
to the cry for quarter, fell upon him with worse than 
savage cruelty. Not satisfied in their murderous 
thirst for blood, by stabbing him again and again 
with their bayonets, they disfigured his face with 
the butt-end of a musket in a most horrible manner. 

«,,- r 93. Washington, durinor the heat of the battle, 

What of o J 3 7 

£n? seized a flag from a standard-bearer, and pushed 
forward in front, about thirty yards from both ar- 
mies, regardless of danger, encouraging his troops 
to make a bold stand. 

94. While Che battle was raffinsr at Pjinceton, 

What ° ° ' 

uonT'^' ^^^® British were under arms preparing to subdue 
BrltTs?^ the Americans at Trenton. Little did they dream 
*" '"^' that their camp was evacuated, and baggage, artil- 
thelrsur- ^^^3'' ^^^^ stores entirely beyond their reach. Corn- 
our at^^ wallis could scarcely believe the fact, and walking 
out to survey the grounds, was arrested by a heavy 
What is sound which, for an instant, he supposed to be thun- 

said of ^ . 1 , . 1 • • T 

comwai- der. But It was a clear bnsrht mornms: m Janu- 

hs, and ^ 

mSve- ary, and the next time the fearful sound broke over 
did"he his camp, he knew that it was caused by Washing- 
ton's cannon. 

95. Lord Cornwallis was ashamed of his vain 
boasts, when he found himself outgeneraled by 



make? 



Cliap. I. COMMISSIONERS TO FRANCE. 265 

troops he scorned. Astonished at these bold move- it it 
ments, he instantly fell back with his whole force, 
and abandoned every post he held southward of 
New York, except Brunswick and Amboy. The ex- 
asperated inhabitants of New Jersey ever afterward tijeVeo- 
remembered their sufferings and insults, and rose ^^""/J^T 
to arms in bodies to repel so remorseless an enemy. 

96. Washington had gained his point — his men wi"^ 
were cheered, and on every side he was hailed as and his 

' •^ men ? 

the one raised by God for the salvation of his coun- 
try. He could now, Avith safety, retire for the win- 
ter. He took up his quarters at Morristown, where 
his army were nearly all inoculated with small- 
pox, which disease had proved fatal in some cases. 
Congress, fully sensible of the high military char- J^'h^t^^ 
acter of Washington, conferred on him more ample con'tlr- 
powers, investino^ him with full authority to reform was°h- 
and new model the army, as he judged proper. 

97. Aware of the importance of inducing the ^,^^^ 
French to espouse the American cause, and relying Fraiice 
on the enmity oi i:' ranee agamst Ureat Britam, mission- 
they appointed as commissioners to the court of 
France, Benjamin Franklin, Silas Deane, and 
Arthur Lee. They were instructed to procure Jere^he 
arms and ammunition, to obtain permission to fit sbS 
out American vessels in the ports of France, to 
annoy the commerce of England. They direct- 
ed them to solicit a loan of 10,000,000 francs, and 
to endeavor, by every means in their power, to pre- 
vail on the French Government to recognize the 
independence of the United States. The campaign 
was not ended until carried into the first month of 
the next year. 

12 



266 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. Part II. 



CHAPTER II. 



CAMPAIGN OF 1777. 

whatis ^- Gren. Washington showed himself, in all points, 

S."^ worthy the confidence reposed in him, by his ener- 

inlfon's gctic measurcs to enlarge the army and encourage 

to his. the dispirited. Though his noble heart ached for 

sunermg i & 

soldiers? j^j^g privations of his soldiers, he pressed onward, 
every where meeting them with words of kindness, 
oftentimes emptying his own purse to relieve their 
sufferings. Day after day he followed the tracks 
of their bleeding feet on the frozen ground, entered 
their huts, praised their constancy, visited the sick, 
and fervently besought the. God of nations to es- 
pouse their cause. Morning after morning, with 
the same serene countenance, he was seen engaged 
in works of mercy to the suffering. 
St* 2* Gen. Lee, whose capture has been noticed, 

Gen. Lee was kept in close confinement in the Provost prison, 

receive ? * _ _ ' 

in New York, and received the most rigid and un- 
generous treatment. Gen. Washington- opened a 
correspondence with Gen. Howe, and made propo- 
sals for his exchange, which were rejected. But 

How is it 1 1 • • 1 m 

expect- Gen. Lee was not the only nnprisoned sutierer. 

ed in all •■' ^ 

tha"pnv 3. From every part of the country arose the 
oTiersof ^Q-^g ^^ lamentation. In all armies prisoners of 

should 
be treat- 



ed? 



war have a just claim on the humane ; from the 
moment of their captivity it is expected that hos- 



Chap. II. CRUELTIES OF THE BRITISH. 267 

tilities toward them cease. Being disarmed, no i^tT 
arm can justly be raised against them ; and while 
they conduct in a manner becoming their captivity, 
they should be treated with lenity. Among savage 
tribes, captives are tortured ; but to the shame of 
the English it can be said, that treatment such as 
our prisoners received during the revolution, has «t 
scarcely been known in the annals of war. ^*^?f*^''^ 

J the Eiig- 

4. It would seem that the ties of countrymen jo^fofjfjt! 
were disregarded, and men speaking the same Ian- conduct 
guage, and acknowledging the same God, exhaust- oners? 
ed every means of cruelty to torture those whom 
they spurned as rebels. The following, taken from 
Gen. Washington's letter of complaint to Gen. 
Howe, is abrief summary of the systematic method j^^^^^at 
adopted and practised for their destruction. " The Sfct''" 
prisoners were crowded into the holds of prison- wash- 

* ^ innton's 

ships, where they were almost suffocated for want '*'^*^'- 
of air, and into churches, and open sugar-houses, 
(fee, without a spark of fire. Their allowance of 
provisions and water for three days was insufficient 
for one, and in some instances they were four days 
entirely destitute of food. The pork and bread, 
for they had no other sustenance, and even the 
water allow^ed them, w'ere of the worst quality, and 
totally unfit for human beings." 

5. He adds that a minute detail would only 
serve to harrow up the feelings of surviving friends ; 
suffice it to say, that in consequence of the most 
barbarous treatment, not less than 1500 American 
soldiers died within a few weeks. Thus perished, 
in the utmost wretchedness, brave young men, the 
pride and shield of their country, and the beloved 



268 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. p^^t II. 

iiTT of many a devoted parent. After death had re- 
leased the sufferers, their bodies were dragged out 
What be of the prisons, and piled up till enough were col- 
fhdr ° lected for a load, when they were carted out and 

dead 

bodies 1 tumbled into a ditch, and slightly covered with 

earth. 
y^r^^^ 6. Prisoners were, in addition to this, constantly in- 
ifz'jS suited and tantalized by the British officers, who told 
were told them wlth the most frightful profanity, that the treat- 

prison- ^ * "^ ' 

^'^- ment was too good for rebels, and they should get 
twice as much severity unless they returned to his 
Majesty's service. But they loved liberty, and chose 
death rather than subject themselves and their pos- 
terity to a tyrant's sway. 
What in- 7. In one instance, four of our wounded officers, \ 
was of- of respectable rank, were put in a cart, and convey- j 
?viiiiams ed through the streets of New York, as objects of 
l?s'^?°*''" derision — reviled as rebels, and treated with the 
utmost contempt. Otho Williams, subsequently 
adjutant-general to the Southern army, and others, 
were seated on coffins, with ropes around their .^ 
necks, as a farce to make them believe they were J 
riding to the gallows. 
Repeat 8. To the forcgoiug unparalleled catalogue of crim- 
extract" inal procccdiugs, we add others, taken from another 
writer. "The enemy wantonly destroyed the New 
York water works, an elegant public library at 
Trenton, and the grand orrery made by Ritten- 
house, which was placed in the college at Prince- 
ton, a piece of mechanism that the most untu- 
tored savage, staying the hand of violence, would 
have beheld with wonder and delight. Thus they 
warred against liberty, virtue, and the arts and 



ingston 
say on 
this sub- 
ject? 



Chap. II. BRITISH CRUELTIES. 269 

sciences. To make war against learning and lite- i^i^ 
rati! re is only fit for the rudest savage." 
/ 9. Gov. Livingston, in an elegant speech to the SlII*^ 
/General Assembly of New Jersey, said, "They 
/ have plundered friends and foes ; effects capable 
f of division they have divided ; such as were not 
they have destroyed; they have warred on de- 
crepid old age and on defenseless youth ; they have 
committed hostilities against the professois of lite- 
rature and the ministers of religion ; against pub- 
lic records and private monuments; books of im- ^'y^ y^ 
provement and papers of curiosity ; and against the 
arts and sciences. They have butchered the 
wounded while asking for quarter, mangled the 
dead, weltering in their blood, and refused them the 
rites of sepulture ; suffered prisoners to perish for 
want of sustenance ; insulted the persons of fe- 
males ; disfigured private dwellings of taste and 
elegance, and in the rage of impiety and barba- 
rism, profaned edifices dedicated to Almighty God." 
10. We do not wonder that the Americans re- 
fused to return to allegiance to a power allowing 
such treatment. We involuntarily shudder as we ^I'emo^ 
read their sufferino^s, and ask if all this was re- \'pw«f 

^ ' all this 

ceived from people, from whom we derived our ori- fng^"^' 
gin ? Reconciliation to such a power ! A more 
dreadful curse could scarcely be denounced ! how 

It is here worthy of observation, that the British 
f^.nd Hessian prisoners in our hands were treated in 
a manner directly the reverse of that iust described, ^^'''ei 

'' J ' were 



were 
prison- 
ers in our 
hands 
treated ? 



and they never found cause to complain. tacks of 



the 

first at- 



the Brit- 



11. The first attempts of the British durinsr the ishdi 

reeled 

campaign of 1777, were against the American '" i^^?? 



270 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 



Part II. 



niT; stores collected at Courtland Manor in New York, 

and at Danbury in Connecticut. 
What On tlie 25th of April, 2,000 men under Gov. 

tionL'^dM Tryon, major of the Provincials or Tories, having 

Governor , . 

tmop"^ passed the sound, landed between Fairfield and 
clommit? A^^oi-foij^, rp^^g ^^^^^ j^^^^ proceeding to Danbury, 

they forced the garrison to retire, destroyed 1,800 
barrels of beef and pork, and 800 of flour, 2,000 
bushels of grain, clothing for a regiment, and 1.790 
tents. Besides this wanton destruction of food and 
clothing, they burned the town, and after murder- 
ing three inhabitants, threw them into the flames. 
vvas'done 12. Geucrals Sullivan, Wooster, and Arnold, 

by Geiie- 

raissuiji- i^appgj-jij^o- to bc iu tlic ueisi'hborhood, hastilv col- 

vail ana rr o o / ^ 

^^''°^^"' lected about 600 militia, and marched in pursuit 
for two miles, in a heavy rain. On the morning of 
the 27th, they divided the troops, Gen. Wooster 
taking about three hundred, and falling in the rear 
of the enemy, while Arnold took post in front at 
Ridgefield. Both parties conducted with distin- 



vl^mided guished bravery, but were obliged to retreat. Gen. 

in this 
retreat 7 



Wooster was in his 70th year, and was mortally 

wounded. 

What is 13. The next day the enemy set fire to Ridgefield, 

£,;|4- and were still harassed by Arnold, who fought 

conduct? ^^,-^^ Yus accustomed bravery, almost amounting to 

recklessness. In the thickest of the fire, he was 

always to be seen galloping hither and thither, 

seemingly impervious to bullets, although his brave 

charger often sunk, being shot under him. Noth- 

inof daunted in such cases, he would mount an- 

What o 

Zt!oi^ other and on to the battle. The British de- 
cides? spaired of gaining any of the inhabitants to their 



Chap. II. GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 271 

ranks, and being annoyed by Arnold, took refuge jy^^ 
on board their ships. They had lost 170 men, and ~ 
the Americans 100. 

14. Congress resolved that a monument should ^ItXi- 
be erected to the memory of Gen. Wooster, and a con^ 

. gress? 

beautiful horse properly caparisoned, was presented 
to Gen, Arnold, as a reward for his gallantry on this 
occasion. 

The British had collected at Sag Harbor, on "^}^^^ 
Long Island, immense magazines of forage and Sir? 
grain. Col. jVIeigs, who had been one of Arnold's 
brave associates in the expedition to Canada, with 
130 men on the 23d of May, destroyed the stores, 
burned a dozen brigs and sloops, killed 6 of the 
enemy, took 90 prisoners, and returned in triumph, 
not having lost a man. 

15. While these and similar events had been why did 
transpiring in America, the commissioners who wilTua 

success 

had been sent to France, to procuie assistance, i"war? 
^vere not idle. France wished us success, because 
it would avenge her for the loss of her colonies in 
this country, and humble the haughty bearing of ^y^^^^ 
her rival in the New World. Amid conflicting F?eich- 

, , , man es- 

emotions m many hearts, theie was at least one mnsed 

'' our cause 

brave and noble soul, who espoused our cause from l^'Ub"''* 
love for liberty. This was the young and gallant ^''^^'' 
Lafayette. 

16. He listened with enthusiasm to the story of 
our wrongs and oppressions, and forthwith ex- 
claimed, " My heart espouses warmly the cause of 
hberty, and henceforth I shall think of nothins", Lafay- 

'' ^ ^' ette say 

but of adding my aid. The moment I heard of '-l.^^^^' 
America I loved her ; the moment I knew she was 



272 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. p^rt II. 

i>^^* fighting for freedom, I burned with a desire of 
bleedinc: for her ; and the moment I shall be able to 
serve her in any part of the world, will be the hap- 
piest one in my life." 
Vhatex- 17. He obtained an introduction to Silas Deane, 
make'^in ^^'^*^ g^^^^^J gcive him a letter to Congress, requesting 
Stus° his appointment as major-general in the American 
army. A vessel was ordered to be fitted out, but the 
sad news of one defeat after another seemed to ren- 
der our cause hopeless. It was no longer possible to 
obtain a vessel. The diflficulty only urged on the 
lover of freedom, and immediately he purchased a 
vessel which he intended fitting out with his own 
means, when the king, hearing of his plans, ordered 
him back, while his friends were loud in their cen- 
sures of the interest he took in our cause. 
^^,jjj^ 18. Finally, he disguised himself as a courier, 

Scess and escaped to his vessel, in which, accompa- 
finitiy nied by the Baron de Kalb and eleven other oflScers, 
and^what \^q get sail lu safet)^ After a voyage of about fifty 
days, he reached Georgetown, in South Carolina, 
and having visited Charleston, and listened with 
delight to the story of Fort Moultrie, he presented 
oj'c?!. the brave Moultrie with clothing and arms for 150 

Moultrie ~ 

me'l,?" men, and repaired in haste to Philadelphia, travel- 
ing a weary route of 900 miles on horseback. 
How was 19. Here he presented his letters to Congress. 

La fay "^ ■ ^ 

cen-^hy Tbcy lookcd at him, as he stood before them only 
gress? 19 years of age, and little dreamed of the value of 
the friend raised by God in our behalf They 
notedi.i looked upon him as a mere boy, and received him 
co,'!^'' coldly — but he was not to be offended, and addres- 
sed a note to Congress, saying. "After the sacrifices 



the 
voyage ' 



"What no- 
tice did 
he take 



gres8 



CKat). II. MOVEMENTS OF THE -ARMIES. 273 

I have made, I have the right to exact two favors ; mr 
one is to serve at my own expense — the other is to 
serve at first as a volunteer." Congress was 
moved by this magnanimity, and made out his com- 
mission. From the moment of his introduction to gj^y^'''^ 
Washington, their friendship commenced, and in cmelW 
the whole course of our history, there is nothing ington?^ 
more touching than the love which these men bore 
to each other. 

20. Near the end of May, the American army, what 
numbering about 18,000 men, moved from its win- [j^^'^^^th 
ter-quarters at Morristown, and took post at Middle- m^Tin 
brook ; on which the British left their encamp- spring? 
ment, and Gen. Howe endeavored to induce Gen. 
Washington to meet him on equal ground. But 
Washington chose to continue his defensive sys- 
tem of warfare, and not to risk an open battle. 
Finding various feints and attempts ineffectual, he 
ordered a precipitate retreat to Staten Island. He 

y I . What did 

then embarked 16,000 troqps, and leaving Sir gen.^ 
Henry Clinton in command at New York, put to dol'and 
sea, carefully keeping his destination a secret. On "" 
the 20th of August, the fleet entered Chesapeake 
bay, intending an attack on Philadelphia. 

21. The American army immediately crossed what 

-' ^ •' was the 

the Delaware, and directed its march toward the J^^^^g. 
enemy^s route. The people were iib patient at bifth'a"/ 

* , , .,,.,.. 1 mies? 

what they considered indecisive movements, and ^^^. 
delays, and demanded a general engagement for pij^^^ 
the defense of Philadelphia. Washington yielding wFt'h'' 
to their wishes, with Generals Greene, Sullivan, ^JJ^'S 
Wayne, and Stirhng, took position on the eastern demand? 
bank of Brandywine creek, to dispute the passage JJ'g^^the 

Amcri- 



274 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 



PartJI. 



1717 of the British, who were advancing in splendid 

can Gen- aiTay. 

what"""^ 22. These, under CornwalHs and Knyphausen, 
^djhey numbered 18,000 well drilled troops, and it seemed 
Who hazardous to risk such an unequal engagement. 
nrnnded At last, Washiufftou rehnquished his own superior 

the Brit- 5 & 1 r 

trips? judgment, by risking a disadvantageous action. 
He, however, with acknowledged skill, planned the 
SS'''" order of battle, and stationed regiments at differ- 
\vash- ent fords to guard the river, sending scouts out in 
make? yarious dlrcctious, on a strict watch for the ap- 
proach of the troops. Gen. Sullivan commanded 
the highest and most important post up the river. 
Had he used all the precaution demanded of him, 
he might have saved much disorder and loss of life. 

23. On the 11th of September, the British army 
moved forward in two columns, intending with one 
to occupy the attention of Washington, while the 
other should silently march round and attack the 
rear. Washington was prevented from executing 
a bold design of dividing t.he British army, and 

fect'^wus catting off Knyphausen's regiment, by false intelli- 
ced? gence from Sullivan, that Cornwallis was not ap- 
proaching. By this, much time- was lost in coun- 
termanding orders, and Cornwallis fell upon the 
Americans, when they were in some measure un- 
prepared to receive him. 

24. A destructive action ensued, in which Sul- 
livan and his troops, in connection with all engaged 
fought with great bravery. Lafayette seeing two 
of Gen. SuUivah's aids killed, and the discomfited, 
general in vain trying to rally his shattered troops, 
leaped from his horse and marched among them 



What 
false in- 
telli- 
gence 
was giv 
en, and 
^vhat e 



What is 
said of 
La lay- 
ette's 
conduct 



duriiiy o 
the bat- 
tl«) 



Chap. II. BATTLE OF BRANDYWINE. 275 

sword in hand, when he too fell wounded hy a i-r^^^ 
nmsket ball. Washiugton then came up witli 



What is 
said of 
the ter 



miniilion 

the 
buttle i 



Greene's corps as a reserve. They fought bravely, 
for a while keepinsf the British in check — but nothinsr of 
could now arrest the disorder, and they retreated 
aft^r havnig contested the ground in the most 
determined manner. 

25. The American loss in killed, wounded, and what 
prisoners, was over 1,000; the British about half i^fjj.-on 
that number. Side by side with the Americans, ^''^'''• 
were Lafayette, the Baron St. OvaiT * brother wi^at 
Frenchman who was made prisoner, and the brave fuhhed 
Count Pulaski, who was afterward rewarded with ?r^ 

; fought 

the rank of brioadier-sreneral. !"f|]'% 

26. The Americans retreated through Pliiladel- to what 
phia to Germantown, but Washington, notwith- the^^ 
standmg the unfortunate event of the battle of ^^'^' 
Brandywine creek, determined to risk another at- 
tempt for*the defense of the capital. He according- what 
ly repassed the Schuylkill, and met the enemy near ^^nT 
Goshen, about 18 miles west of Philadelphia. But ^^-^^ 
a violent shower of rain compelled them to defer wljh^"'' 
the engagement. Gen. Wayne had been detached success? 
with 1,500 men to annoy the rear of the enemv, but in what is 

^ ^ • ' said of 

the darkness of the night, his men were surprised, waTne' 
and about 300 killed. Sh- 

27. Congress, deeming themselves insecure in 
Philadelphia, removed the public archives and mag- ^,y"^J^^^^ 
azines to Lancaster, to which place they ad- SsS" 
journed. An easy access to Philadelphia was now 
given to the enemy, and on the 26th of September, 

they made a triumphal entry into the city without wasWn 

•^ • -' done by 

opposition. The main body of the British was sta- li^^rmv) 



276 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR. Part II. 



^T'i'i tioned at Germ ante wn, which is distant about 7 

xSe'tho '^^i^^^ north-west from Philadelphia. Washington 

miesTn- encamped at 18 miles distance honi Gcrmantown. 

Inniied lately after the occupation of the capital, 

To what •' \ , . 

(h,i c.tii Uen. Howe dnected his attention to the reduction 

Howe ill- 

a«en*?'' o( soiiic forts Oil the river Delaware, which forts 



tion; 



rendered it unsafe for the British to navigate that 



river. 

28. The Americans hoped to prevent the enemy 
from receiving supplies of provisions by water, and 



Why- 
were for- 
tifica- 
tions 
erected 

Island? for this purpose had erected batteries at Mud Island 
Red Bank, and Billing's Port, and had sunk 
ranges of frames in the river to obstruct the navi- 

Whywa-s ° 

Hnidil'-" iration. It was to remove these impediments, that 

fhiuS Col. Stirling was sent with a detachment of the 
royal army. Washington seized this opportunity 
to attack the remainder of the army at Germantown. 
29. This enterprise planned with great judgment 
promised success. On the morning of October 4th 

townT i\^Q enemy was surprised, and at one point a party 
was routed and 110 made prisoners, but they were 
afterward retaken. Nearly the whole force of the 

What two armies was involved in the contest, in which 

was said . 

wa?h" both fought bravely. Gen. Washington, in a letter 



What is 
said of 
the bat- 
tle of 
German 



Wash- 

afeuer'" to Cougrcss, says, " The morning was extremely 
gress?" foggy, which prevented om* improving the advan- 
tage we had gained as well as we otherwise should 
have done. This circumstance by conceahng from 
us the true situation of the enemy, obliged us to 
act with more caution and less expedition than we 
could have wished, and hindered our difTereht par- 
ties from acting in concert." 

30. In the midst of the most promising appear- 



town ; 



CKap. II. BATTLE OF GERMANTOWN. 277 

ances of victory, the troops suddenly began to j-^^^ 
retreat in spite of every effort made to rally them, ^hat 
The enemy were broken, dispersed and flying ini^ss'on 
all quarters, and we w^ere in possession of their g''^^^^^ 
whole encampment, artillery, &c., but confusion at 
last ensued, and we were repulsed with a loss of 200 
killed, 600 wounded, and 400 prisoners." The Brit- 
ish lost about 100 killed and 500 wounded. Gen. 
Knyphausen was wounded, and Gen. De Heister's 
son and several other officers of rank were wounded 
or slain. 

31. Washington was mortified at the repulse at J^^f 
Germantown, after an auspicious commencement, S 



the 
feelings 

Wash- 
ington on 



which indicated a speedy victory. Congress ex- this 
pressed their approval of his plan of attack, and what 
spoke in hig^h terms of the couraofe of most of the gress ex- 

■* _ _ ^ press? 

troops. The British, after this action, removed to to what 
Philadelphia, and Washington encamped about IJ^j^f^^- 
eleven miles from Germantow^n. ™7^' 

32. After considerable skirmishing and a pro- did^"^^ 
tracted defense of the forts on the Delaware, the i"g'on 

' encamp? 

river was at last cleared, and a free communication what 

' finally 

opened for the British betw^een New York and 5,1°^^ ^^ 
Philadelphia. The enemy flattered themselves that wire f'""" 
the possession of Philadelphia w^ould soon prove Jjjfhe 
decisive in the contest. The Americans were not AattT/ 
disheartened. Notwithstanding they had gained ^ef^s^ 
little by the last battles, so much skill and bravery Se not 

'' the Ame- 



ricans 
sheart- 



had been shown that their reputation was en- f^ 
hanced. fh"iT'bai 

33. In the mean while Washington's army had 
received reinforcements from the North, and 



tie: 



What re- 
inlb ce- 
rneuts 

amounted to 12,000 continentals; and 3^)0 militia, w.sh- 



278 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. p^x^ I,. 

ITT 7 With these, he advanced to White Marsh, within 
receive, ^^ miles of the capital. Gen. Howe marched 
poSrf^ within three miles, but finding Washington too 
nyo ar- prudcnt to leavc his strong position, he thought 
take up? proper to withdraw, and retire for the winter to 
Philadelphia. 

34. Washington now gave orders that prepara- 
tions should be made for winter-quarters, and York, 



Where 
did 

Wash- 
ington 

mine to Laucastcr and Carlisle were named as proper 

eo into r r 



^'"'^' ,, places. But rather than leave a large and fertile 



go into 
vinter 
quarters? 

region exposed to the enemy, he chose to march to 
Valley Forge, a deep dale, about 20 miles north- 
west of Philadelphia. Accordingly, on the 11th 
of December, he left White Marsh, and retired to 
Valley Forge. In this dreary place they passed one 
of the most rigorous winters ever experienced in 
the United States. 
S^oi'^ 35. The troops, scantily clotlied, prepared to 

the suf- 1 • /■ 1 • 1 

feringsof meet the ria^or ot that wmter by erectniff a 

the army ° , , "^ ° 

place'? number of log huts, filled in with mortar. The 
weather was so intensely cold, that before these 
barracks were completed, many a soldier was 
frozen to death. So destitute of necessary cloth- 
ing were they, that the greater part were with- 
out a shirt — some with a remnant of a blanket, 
and many without a shoe or stocking. In the 
midst of sufferings to which the world can scarce- 
ly show a parallel, they were seldom heard to 
Why did i^urmur. Relying on the justice of their cause, 
SuJr^urS they pressed forward, crying, '' We are fighting for 
Liberty — let us have freedom from oppression for 
ourselves and our children !" 

36. While these events were transpiring in the 



Cliap. II. EVACUATION OF CANADA. 279 

Middle /Slates, scenes of thrilling- interest were en- n^^ 
acted in the North. To retain, as far as possible, a why has 
connected view of the war, we have chosen to leave no^hem 
our northern army unmentioned till tins period, been 

•J 1 men- 

The young reader will, we trust, endeavor to go back ^'""^'^■ 
in the order of time to the year 1775, and recall the 
situation of both armies at that period. To pre- what is 

1 n -I r^f^n' -n 1 • 'Stated in 

sent the events oi 1777, we will merely state, in review? 
review, that in the autumn of 1775, after Colonels 
Allen and Arnold had taken Ticonderoga and 
Crown Point by surprise, Gen. Montgomery re- 
duced the fort of St. Johns, captured Montreal, 
and made an ineffectual, though desperate attack 
on (itiebec. 

37. On the return of spring, 1776, the American onthe 
army srradually retired up the St. Lawrence, and the 

•^ *=" •' ' ' spring of 

after losing one post after another, in June they |J^^,. ^^^ 



the ar- 
my? 



entirely evacuated Canada. These reverses did 
not at all dampen the ardor of the troops in this 
quarter, and preparations were busily made to meet 
an expected invasion from the enemy in the spring 
of 1777. A plan was concerted by which Bur- ^^j^^^ 
goyne, who had superseded Carleton in the com- adopted* 
mand of the British forces in Canada, was to pene- goyne to 

' ^ cutoff 

trate the back settlements of New York, and form n-'c'I^tbns 
a junction with Gen. Howe at the metropolis, thus SrE'mfd 
cutting^ off alLcommunication between New Enff- die 

° , ° states? 

land and the middle States, after w4iich, they sup- 
posed both sections could easily be subdued. 

38. By express orders of the ministry, Burgoyne whose 
immediately armed and secured the services of did Bur- 

•' ^ _ goyne se- 

several tribes of Indians inhabiting the country be- ^"'*^' 
tween the Mohawk river and Lake Ontario, about 



pre para 
tions to 
attack? 



What 
procla- 
m;itioa 
di.l Bur 
goyne 
issue ? 



280 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. Part II. 

117 7 2,500 French Canadians, and as manj^ Hessians, 
^hat exclusive of a corps of artillery and a large body 
he'*l^atf of veteran troops from England. AVith this formi- 
dable army, on the first of July, he made prepara- 
tions to invest Ticonderoga. 

39. Before proceeding to the attack, Burgoyne 
made a great war feast for the Indians, and issued 
a most extraordinary proclamation, calling on the 
Americans to submit, or suffer the consequences of 
savage ferocity. After enumerating a string of 
titles in the most pompous manner, he threatens all 
who shall oppose his authority, saying, " I have 
but to give stretch to the Indian forces under my 
direction, and they amount to thousands, to over- 
take the hardened enemies of Great Britain and 
What America." The British ministry, neither ashamed 
fufexpe- nor satisfied with the disgraceful expedient of hir- 

diGnts 

^id .the ii^g Hessian soldiers of low principles, resorted also 
for°rein° to savagcs to aid in the subjection of a band of 
menVs? " half-starvcd and distressed rebels" — their own 

kinsmen.. 
What 40. Gen. St. Clair with about 3,000 men, had 

charge of Fort Ticonderoga. Deeming this force 



move 
ment 
did St. 
Clair 



make, iuadcqate to maintain the post, not having provis- 



andwhy 



ions for more than twenty days, he perceived no 
safety for the garrison, except in a hasty flight. 
Accordingly he let his camp-fires go.out, struck his 
tents, and amid the " profound silence of the forest 
and the night," retreated. 
What is 41. He was soon discovered and as they ap- 
there- proachcd Skeensborough, the British pressed on in 
hot pursuit. After various conflicts and losses, 
the remnants of the divisions reached Fort Ed- 



July 5. 



'hat 
otKcejs 
I- ere 
vviih 



Chap. II. BURGOYNe's MOVEMENTS. 2Bl 

ward, the head -quarters of Gen. Schuyler. In i^ii 
these combats, our men fought with desperate valor, 
and hundreds weie left dead on the route. Stern 
necessity compelled this retreat. 

42. Burgoyne had with him some of the best ^v^ 
officers then in America ; Major-general Philips, we 
Brigadier-general Frazer, Major-general Reidesel, i^j"-]^, 
and others. From such generals and their hosts, 
Gen. Schuyler thought it prudent to retire along 

the Hudson to Saratoga. He, however, did every ^S^^ 
thing in his power to obstruct the progress of tlie s/huyier 
British. He felled trees across the roads, destroyed treat, and 

' J how did 

the hridges, and in various ways greatly retarded Bif"'""^ 
their march. Burgoyne in pursuit, was obliged ^"^"^" 
to construct forty bridges, and his batteaux were 
dragged from creek to creek by oxen. Schuyler's 
army was enlars^ed by some militia under Gen. what 
Luicoln, and several detachments from the regular J^^Jjf^; 
army accompanied by the Polish Gen. Thaddeus sijiuyier 
Kosciusko. His army was thus augmented to'^'^^^'^^' 
about 15,000 men. 

43. Burgoyne finding his supply of provisions 
greatly reduced, and beino^ in want of horses to of what 
mount his cavalry, formed a plan to draw resources l^^^^fyin 
from the honest farmers of Vermont. For this 
purpose he dispatched Col. Baum, a distinguished 
German officer, with 500 Hessians to seize some of 
the American stores of corn, cattle, &c., collected at 
Bennington. The instructions of Burgoyne are 
very curious, showing that the event of defeat 
never entered his mind. 

44. Col. Baum marched off with a commission in 
his pocket, to " scour the 'country for horses, car- 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR. Part II. 

1 -J- ►y T^ riages, and cattle, and make prisoners of all offi- 

^h.jt cers, civil and military, acting under Congress ; to 

ZtiVe tax the towns for whatever they 'ivanted, and take 

Bairn? hostages for the performance ; to bring all horses 

fit to mjount the dragoons, with as many saddles 

and bridles as could be found ; to britig at least 

1,300, the horses to be tied in strings of ten each in 

order, that one man may lead ten horses^ 

^^^^ 45. It was a providential circumstance, that 

denn'ai GJen. Staik* was on his way to join Gen. Schuyler, 

Sc?' with a reinforcement of 800 Green Mountain boys. 

occurred? • • . . 

A heavy ram commg on, prevented an immedi- 
ate action ; several skirmishes took place with little 
loss on our side, but these were sufficient to alarm 
Why did Qoi^ Baum, who immediately dispatched a messen- 
S^tch ger to Burgoyne for a reinforcement. Fortunately 
seJJerto its progress Was much delayed, owing to the state 
goyne? of the roads, after the heavy rain, and it did not ar- 



* Gen. Stark had been in the old French and Indian war, and was 
at Bunker Hill and Trenton. At the brilliant charge at Bennington, 
he animated his brave band by shouting, with uplifted sword, " M)'' 
fellow-soldiers, we conquer to-day or Mary Stark sleeps a widow 
to-night," His character as a private citizen is unblemished, and 
no neglect or wrong could turn him from the path of duty. 
Although he had reason to feel aggrieved at the treatment he 
received from Congress, in having inferior and junior officers 
appointed over him, he loved his country still, and fitted out his 
.sons one after another for the field. Would that Arnold had 
possessed the virtues of this noble and incorruptible patriot. 
Amid all his perils through two long wars, and in many desper- 
ate battles, he never received a wound. He was the last sur- 
viving general of the Revolution, and died in 1822, at Man- 
chester, New Hampshire, in his 94th year. A simple stone 
upon which is inscribed Major-general SLark, marks the soldier's 
resting-place — but his memory Is fresh in many a heart. 



Cliap. II. BATTLE OF BENNINGTON. 283 

live until the Americans were victorious. A fu- i^^^ 
rious battle was fought for more than two liours, ^y^^,^^ .^ 
during which the Americans opposed, with singu- ui[;"ac°* 
lar bravery, a force nearly twice their number. 

46. Althousfli the British were defended by breast- what is 
works, they were stormed by the Americans, and "^'^^ °l 
the troops finally obliged to surrender at discretion. ^"'"• 
The yells of the Indians when surrounded were ter- 
rific. The roar of the fire-arms resembled a prolonged 
thunderpeal. Gen. Stark's troops had scattered in 
pursuit of plunder, when news arrived of the ap- 
proach of tbe reinforcement of 1,000 men. 

47. At this critical moment, a regiment under ^^^^ 
Col. Warner arrived ; the other troops rallied, and e^^/nt^^r 
the whole were ordered to advance. They fought tie*^? ^^' 
until darkness came on, when the enemy yielded a 
second time in one day to their Yankee conquerors. 
The whole number of killed, wounded, and prison- ^hat 
ers, was 934. Col. Baum received a mortal wound bis 'of 
of which he soon after died. Instead of bringing, tish? 
in pursuance to the orders of Buro^oyne, a train of 

^ . , to J 5 Djfl Bur. 

necessary things, on their return, the troops were fej^e^hls 
obhged to leave behind 1,000 stand of arms, 8 loads tuSefi 
of baggage, 4 brass field-pieces, and several horses, what 
1 he loss on our side was not more than 100. loss? 

48. The victory at Bennington greatly encour- 
aged the Americans, but as greatly mortified Bur- ^^^^ 
goyne. An affecting incident occurred on the field fSnf 
at Bennington, which illustrates a point in the at Ben- 
American character. An old man, whose five sons 
were engaged in the battle, was told that he had 
been unfortunate in one of his sons. With up- 
raised hands and trembhng voice, he exclaimed, 



2^A REVOLUTIONARY WAR. p^rt II. 

j,^^, " What has my boy done?" Then in rapid succes- 
sion followed the anxious questions, " Has my boy 
misbehaved? has he deserted his post or shrunk 
from the charge ? " " No, no," replied. the informant, 
" but he is slain — he shrunk not from the hottest of 
the fire, but fell while nobly acting his part." " Ah !" 
exclaimed the good old man, raising his dimmed 
eyes, " my boy was honest — I am satisfied — bring in 
the corpse that I may once more embrace the dar- 
ling of my soul." 

49. With his own hands, he washed the gore 
and dust from his gaping wounds, rejoicing that so 
brave and noble a youth had gone, as he trusted, 
where the wicked cease from troubling. Our single- 

diJmir hearted ancestors dreaded dishonesty more than 
ancestors ^^g^^}^ Q^^^. pi^yer Is, that their posterity will 
death? gi'atefuUy remember their toils that we might be 

free, and, in God's strength, endeavor to imitate 

their integrity of purpose. 

50. While Burgoyne was moving down Lake 
whowas Qhamplain to invest Ticonderoga, Col. St. Leger 
FoT'* was dispatched with about 2,000 Canadians and 

Schuy- ' 

^^'- Indians, by way of Oswego, against Fort Schuyler, 
^ho situated on the site of the present village of Rome, 
m^ded commanded by the brave Col. Gansevoort, with a 
Schuy- garrison of 700 almost as brave hearts as his own. 

ler, and » .... i i i 

'indition They had but six weeks' provisions on hand, and a 
SrisoS^? scanty supply of ammunition, and not even a flag 

to wave above the fort. 
What 51. St. Leger sent a message to these brave men 

message i i • • i i 

was sent to surrcudcr, threatenins^ to o^ive them over to the 

by St. ■ o o 

and what brutalitics of the savages, should they refuse. They 
was^ answered boldly, at the same time hoisting a flag 

given? 



Chap. II. BATTLE OP ORISKANY. 285 

which they had made themselves, little heeding im 
the horrid yells of 1.000 Indians, who, during the 
hve-long night, at intervals, made the dark forest 
around the fort echo with their hideous warwhoop. 
In the mean time Gen. Herkimer, assured of the ](^l^^^''^ 
desperate condition of the garrison, determined to ^I've "to 
march to. their relief; he accordingly started, and 
on approaching the fort, he sent an express to^'^hatin- 
Gansevoort, saying that he had reached the ene- ^^^^%J^^ 
my's camp within 8 miles. voS""^" 

52. As a signal that the express had reached 
him in safety, three cannon were to be fired, on 
hearing which Herkimer was to cut through the 
enemy's camp — while Gansevoort should assist him 
on the other side. Early the next morning, the 
signal awoke many of the soldiers to the march. 
Onward they passed in files of two deep, with an JJ,';'*'"^® 
advanced guard to open the way. Suddenly, on all Herkf-°^ 
sides, sounded a' terrific yell, as if his whole army "mopl 
was surrounded, and in another moment the dark 
woods glittered with tomahawks, and the quick 
flash of rifles. 

53. An awful scene was then presented, which JJJ*^^ 
almost baflfles description — on both sides men Tell p^aJe? 
like the leaves of autumn, and the carnage and 
clamor were enough to appall the stoutest heart. In 

the midst of the battle, a tremendous thunder shower 
burst upon them, and the intervals of silence were 
said to be more awful than the loudest uproar. The 
contest w^as suspended for the time, and the "two 
armies seemed to have been suddenly turned to what u 
stone." As the rain abated, the battle was resumed '^e ut- 

' tack af- 

with greater fury, and although for six hours this J^[n^® 



285 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 



Pail II. 



IT 17 murderous work had been going on, Herkiiner and 
his men, though weary and fainting, determined to 
press forward to the brave men at the fort. At last, 
amid the tumult, the Indian cry of flight, " Oomah^ 
OomahJ^ sounded joyfully in their ears, and with 
it they joined the glad shout of " Victory ^^ sending 
a thrill through the wounded and dying. 
IStot ^^' This battle has been slightly noticed by his- 
ae^^"^' torians, but a more bloody one, considering the num- 
bers engaged, was never fought, and the Americans 
with all their disadvantages remained victorious. 
Many a soldier bled and died* on the field of p.ris- 
kany. We again turn to the graphic page of 
Headley for a notice, in passing, of the scene after 
the battle. 
What 55. There lay, he says, white man and savage, 

f^^^^jy near a thousand of them scattered around through 
tk^of*^" the forest, part pale in death, others rechning on 
ny?' their elbows, or sitting up against the trees, moan- 
ing piteously for water. The bright uniform of the 
officer glittered beside the naked body of the In- 
dian ; and all around, thick as the leaves, were 
strewn shivered spears, broken muskets, and neg- 
lected swords. Here lay a pile of fifty together, and 

* Gen. Herkimer was so severely wounded at the battle of 
Oriskany, that it was found necessary to amputate his leg. 
The story is, that owing to the two surgeons who performed 
the operation being intoxicated, it was badly done and he bled 
to death. His wife attempted to staunch the blood, but Herki- 
mer saw that soon its steady flow would stop the wheel at the 
fountain, and he bade her an affectionate farewell. After which 
he called for a Bible, and read aloud the 38th Psalm, and then 
calmly resigned his soul into His hands, in whom he trusted 
for pardon. 



Chap. II. FORT SCHUYLER. 287 

there a solitary warrior, stretched where the death ni^^ 
shot had struck him. Xwo w^oiild be found side 
by side, with their bayonets in each other's bosom ; 
and near by a " white man and an Indian born on 
the banks of the Mohawk, their left hands clenched 
in each other's hair, the right grasping in a grasp 
of death the knife plunged in each other's bosom ;" 
thus they lay frowning. Days after the battle the 
bodies still lay unburied, many of them torn to 
pieces by wild beasts. 

.66. The Americans, though victors, had suffered 
too severely to think of cutting their way to the 
fort and retreated. 

The fate of Fort Schuyler seemed noAv despe- J^^^t 
rate. The reinforcement sent to its relief com- SisSn 
pelled to retreat — the garrison surrounded by foes schuy- 
— a scanty supply of provisions — all threatened 
death by sword or hunger. 

Two Americans taken prisoners at Oriskany, J^^i-^"^' 
were compelled to write to Gansevoort an exagge- Tn\f^' 
rated account of the numbers of the British, stating Ameri 

' ^ can pris- 

that Burgoyne had reached Albany, and that far- °he B^f- 
ther resistance would prove their ruin. Gansevoort "^' 
told the officer who bore this letter, that he would tiidGan- 
only surrender at the cannons mouth. 

57. The officer then repeated the threat that the 
Indians would be let loose on the defenseless settle- 
ments if he persisted; when Gansevoort, looking the ofs- 



voort 

•eply ; 



What 
threut 



cer J 



him full in the face, and throwing all the sarcasm 
in his tone he was master of, said, " After you get canse''*^ 
out of this fort, you may turn-round and look at say? 
its outside; hut never expect to come in again, 
unless you come a prisoner. I consider the 7nes~ 



288 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. Part II. 

117 7 sage you have brought a degrad'uig one for a 
British officer to send, and by no ineans a. reputa- 
ble one for a British officer to carry. For my own 
part^ before I would consent to deliver this garri- 
son to such a murderous set as your army, by 
your own account, consists of I would suffer my 
body to be filled toith splinters and set on fire, as 
you know has, at many times, been practised by 
S2ich hordes of iuom,en-and-childr en-killers as be- 
long to your arm,y^^ 

58. St. Leger, finding all attempts to terrif}^ them 
into a surrender fail, prepared to sap the fort. 
Finally, Gansevoort, finding St. Leger within 150 
yards of the fort, into which he constantly threw 
shells, determined, at midnight, to cut his way 
sword in "hand through the enemy's camp. A pro- 
tecting Providence, which has all hearts in its hands, 
was moving some brave ones in behalf of this gar- 
whatis rison. The noble-hearted" Schuyler, then at Alba- 
l^huy- ny, heard with. much emotion of the defeat of Her- 
kimer, and trembled for the fate of the garrison, 
unless relieved speedily. To all his ejitreaties to 

What re- r .; 

made'to ^cud troops thither, he was answered, that as Bur- 

jections? goyne was now moving rapidly down the river, it 

would be unsafe to send any of their forces away. 

Schuyler entreated, and still the same answer was 

given ; when, in his agitation, turning fiercely 

round, and crumbling his pipe in his mouth as his 

teeth angrily closed on it, he exclaimed to the 

whatdid couucll of officers, " Gentlem^cu, I shall take the 

finally responsibility on myself ; where is the brigadier 

that will command them, 7 I shall beat up for 

volunteers !" 



Chap. II. FORT SCHUYLER RELIEVED. 289 

59. Arnold, still a fiiencl to America, sprung to n-j>7 
his feet, and with his usual promptitude, otiered to ^y^^ ~ 
lead the expedition. 800 men were found ready S ^ 
to start at the beat of the drum. Away they the'ex- 
marched, with the greatest alacrity. Fearing, how- 
ever, the same fate which befell Herkimer's men 
might be theirs, he had recourse to a stratagem, be- 
fore attempting to fight his way through. 

60. A spy, by the name of Cuyler, who had been J°^^^^* 
taken, was brought before Arnold, and promised i^^oid'^'^ 
pardon on condition he would give such an exag- '^^'^""'^^' 
gerated account of the American forces as to ter- 
rify the Indians into a retreat. Life was precious 

to the spy — he accepted the proposal, and the stra- 
tagem succeeded. * To the utter surprise of Gan- 
sevoort, who knew nothing of the affair, the Indi- STItSf- 
ans and English, on the morninsf of the 23d of surceed, 

August, were seen m sudden nis^ht. leavmsr then' effect 

o« ' o / o was pro- 

baggage and artillery. The stratagem of Arnold ''''*^^'^- 

had the desired effect, and in a short time he was 
heard in the distance, at the head of his noble sol- 
diers, making the woods ring with their joyful 
cheers, which were heartily answered by the re- 
lieved garrison at Fort Schuyler. 

61. Burgoyne was confounded when the reports j^^^.^^^ 
of the battle of Bennington and the failure of St. g^yneaf- 
Leger, one after the other, came in, and was seri- wUh'^the 

1 11 ^ • r f • news of 

ously perplexed as to his future course of action. *^j^^/«- 
The overthrow of these forces was the first in a 
grand series of events that finally involved in ruin * 

the whole royal army. Burgoyne was in a wilder- ^^at » 
ness, surrounded witli enemies, greatly in want of S- ° 
provisions ; and placing little confidence in his In- situation? 

13 



290 Rl::VOLUTIONARY WAR. Paii, II. 

ittT dian allies, he felt that he must soon either conquer 
or surrender. He accordingly collected his artil- 
lery and scanty store of provisions, and made a 
desperate effort to advance, and cut his way through 
to join Clinton. After constructing a bridge of 
Where boats, he ^ssed his army over the Hudson, and on 
two ar- the 14th of Sept. encamped on the plains of Saratoga. 

mies en- r i i o 

camped? Q2. The American army was about four miles 
distant, and daily receiving reinforcements. The 
excesses of Burgoyne's army had roused the inhab- 
itants to a full sense of their wrongs. With one 
accord they seemed to pour from every valley, ham- 

Sysent let, and hill-slope, to protect their fire-sides. The 

a thrill of ' ^T,,.T -^T r-i * 1 TT 

horror murder or Miss Jane McOrea by some Indians in 

through - .. . •; 

the land? Burgoyiie's advance party, sent a tbrill of horror 
through the land, and was one of a hundred in- 
ducements for every father and brother to rush to 
the conflict. 

63. Schuyler's army, from a few disheartened 
soldiers, increased rapidly, and his heart beat with 
delight at the thought of a glorious victory. Just 
at this long wished for moment, news came Avhich, 

* During the halt of the British at Fort Edward, an incident 
occurred which greatly increased the odium justly cast on the 
British ministry, because of their barbarous order forBurgoyne 
to form an alliance with the ferocious savages of the wilder- 
ness. A young lady named McCrea, represented as beautiful 
and accomplished, the daughter of an American loyalist, was, 
just previous to the war, affianced to a young English officer 
named Jones. Jones dispatched a party of Indians with a letter 
and a horse, to bring his intended bride in safety to the camp. 
On the way, two of the principal savages disputed about which 
should present her to her lover, when one of them killed her with 
his tomahawk, to prevent the other from receiving the promised 
reward of a barrel of rum. — Lossing. 



Chap. II. GENERAL ARNOLD. 291 

had he been less noble and firm, would have caused ii^'j 
him to retaliate at the offered insult. After having 
gone through with untold drudgery, and shrunk 
from no hardship, endured complaints and angry- 
speeches without retorts, he received a cold mes- what 
sage from Congress, that he was to be superseded Ji-,f' '^^ 
by Gates. His noble heart keenly felt the indig- p^eive 



from 
Con- 



nity— but for the example of youth we would no- 
tice his conduct, as one of the noblest triumphs of 
patriotism and virtue over envy and iealousy. We he^'^re" 

, ,, . ... ceivethe 

shall soon have occasion to notice hun as a mag- »nsuit? 
nanimous man. 

64. Arnold, also, was treated with the same in- how did 

• ■"""; — - I 1 i-i ... Arnold 

dignity, but the same god-like principle was not ^ehave 
the ruhng action of his life. Arnold was proud, [i-eat- 
and could not bear to be humbled — he was ambi- ""^" 
tious, panted for more fame, and could not for- 
give an insult. It was an outrageous insult on the 
part of Congress, when junior officers were pro- 
moted over persons as popular as Arnold, Stark, 
and Schuyler. We find no excuse for Arnold's 
subsequent conduct, but agree with the board of wast-*^"^ 
war, to whom he appealed, that he was '^ cruelly Jhini^oj} 
and groundlessly aspersed :" and with Washington, 
that both he and Schuyler, with St. Clair and 
Stark, received repeated and bitter insults after all 
the acts of self-denial they had freely performed. 

65. Although many were dissatisfied, at the 
time, with the manner in which the northern posts 
had been given up, the peculiar and trying circum- 
stances under which our army was placed, rendered 
it imprudent to act otherwise. They were tried by 
a court-martial, and acquitted with the highest 



this mat- 
ter? 



292 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. Part II. 

I'j'j^ hoaor. We can now see an overruling- Providence, 
Howciin <^ha-t orders even afflictive dispensations for the ben-' 
the ha^nd efit of tliose wlio trust in God. Burffovne was led, 

of Provi- & J J 

ihe^e "' under perplexing cn'cumstancesj farther and farther 
events? j^-^^^ ^^^ heart of the country, and suddenly, con- 
trary to all his expectations, found himself sur- 
Did Bur- rounded by the enemy, he had regarded as van- 
choose to quished. To retreat, he must abandon his expe- 

retreat or ' ' 

advance? dltlou — to advancc, seemed full of danger ; but still 
he proudly chose the latter. 

66. On the 17th of September, his army came 
nearly in contact with the Americans, when some 
skirmishing took place. About noon on the 19th, 

What ^our army advanced and offered battle. Bursfoyne 

British • 

^*lre'^^^'^^ ^^ ^^^^ ^^^^^ ^^ ^^^^ army, and Generals Phil- 
goyS^r* lips, Reidesel, and Frazer, were actively engaged. 
Gates had under him the intrepid Arnold, and his 
Ameri- bravc compauious, Mmgan and Dearborn. The 
battle opened furiously, as if both hosts were deter- 
mined to conquer or die. 

67. The firing continued in one incessant roar 
What is and blaze for three hours, covering the field with 

said of 1111- T 1 • . 

the con- wouudcd and dymg. It was an obstmate and un- 

. yielding contest. At one time the British were 

overpowered, but being reinforced, the Americans 

were repulsed. The same ground was occupied 

successively, and the blood of both armies mingled 

in the death struggle. The victory was claimed 

by the British, but the advantages were decidedly 

on the part of the Americans. They were the 

assailants, they held their ground through the day, 

|^^|U^«' and r.etired without being pursued, having lost 

ski'es? oiily 64 killed, and 255 prisoners and woimded. 



cans 
were 
with 
Gates'! 



7i 



Cliap. II. GATES AND ARNOLD. 293 

The Biitish lost 600 in killed, wounded, and 1^-7^ 
prisoners. 

68. The royal army lay all night on their arms ^^at 
on the battle field, strewed with the slain — while by^%he^ 

. . . soldiers 

the soldiers in search of spoils stripped, indiscrimi- o^^J|^. 
nately, the bodies of the gay uniform of the Eng- "'^'• 
lish, or the plainer blue garb of the American. 
Both.parties lay within sound of each other's voices 
for 16 days, and considerable skirmishing took why did 
place, resulting from the attempts of the British to goyne 
forage. Burgoyne looked with the utmost anxiety J^j^'lfg ^ 
for aid from Sir Henry Clinton, from New York, litelf- 
but finding starvation staring his army in the face, force his 
he determined to make a desperate effort to force tiirough? 
his way through the American lines. 

69. During this interval, a dissatisfaction arose -vviiywas 
between Gates and Arnold, because Gates refused diillli- 
to give Arnold even a tenth part of the praise due Gates? 
to him for his undaunted bravery at Stillwater. 
Gates was envious, because the whole army gave 
Arnold and his division the credit of the battle of 

the 19th, and falsely represented the affair to Con- 
gress in his official report. To crown the injustice 
of Gates, he took away Arnold's division from him 
and gave it to Col. Lincoln ; so that now, on the 
eve of another battle, one of the bravest officers in 
the American army was without a command. His ^[l'^^^^^ 
nature was too proud to bear this — he had never ^"'"i^^- 
learned in childhood to brook an insult. How 
many hours of bitterness would have been spared 
Arnold, had he felt the beauty of the Saviour's ex- 
ample of humility and patience under insults. 

70. When the roar of the cannonade of the 7th 



294 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. " p.^^^ jj. 



iiyY7 of October reached his ears, while sitting in his 
tent, he could no longer restrain his maddened 
feelings. He would enter the battle, and, for aught 



What is 
said of 
Arnold's 

on"the we know, he wished it mio^ht be his last. His con- 

7th of • '^ 

October? jjyct was frightfully daring, as, mounted on a beau- 
tiful horse, named Warren, after the hero of Bun- ^ 
ker Hill, he rushed madl)^ in the hottest of the fire, 
while his shout was heard above the horrid (Jin of 
conflicting armies. Regardless of danger, he rode 
at one time from one extremity of the line to the 
other, exposed to the cross fire of the armies, fol- 
lowed by the loud huzzas of admiring troops. 
71. Gates, fearing lest this impetuous horseman 
What should, by winning this battle, eclipse his own 
w^'lent J^^i^^j ^t this perilous moment, dispatched Col. 
to^ At-^' Armstrong after him, with a command to retire 
"°^'^' from the field.* The beloved general of the army, 
now without a command, was obeyed in an in- 
stant ; and groups of veterans, who had followed 
him in many a toilsome march, crowded around 
him, eager for orders. 
Who did 72. Pointing to the camp surrounded with a 
recog- wall of armed men and cannon, he shouted to them 

nize on ' 

tk fiefd? as his quick eye recognized the scarred faces of his 
old comrades. " You will not fail me now — on to 
the fortress, my brave soldiers, t/ou and you, on 
again — you know me well."' The black horse is 
urged forward amid the fierce blaze of a thousand 

said of guns, to the very sally port of the enemy. This 

tack on 

the 

camp} 



position must be won, or the American cause was 



f * During the battle of Saratoga, Gen. Gates was quietly sit- 
ting in his room, conversing with a British officer. He fonght 
both these battles like a European gentleman — in his camp. 



Chap. II. BURGOYNe's SURRENDER. 295 

dishonored. So shouted Arnold at the sally port. i<^^»j 
As tlie piteous screams of " quarter, qiiartej^^^ 
reached the ears of the Americans, the gallant 
charger which had borne the victorious general 
through scenes of blood and lire, fell pierced by 
many balls, and Arnold lay wounded and bleeding, 
shouting, '' Thehattle is ours, Saratoga is won.'''' • 
l_ 73. This was Arnold's last battle for his still 
/beloved country, and yet no tidings of his bravery, 
or of Morgan's came to Congress from the envious 
Gates. Arnold was carried bleeding from tlie field 
amid the deafening shouts of " Victory^ victory^ 
The British lost several valuable officers, among JJ^^/^j^^ 
whom none was more lamented than Gen. Frazer. bj,h°" 
Their entire loss was over 400 men ; that of the ^' ^^' 
Americans about 80. 

74. The British camp was evacuated during the 

.11/- 1 '^^hy did 

niffht, and soon after an attempt was made to ""^ Bur- 

c5 1 r goyne re- 

retreat to Fort Edward, but intelligence was tort Ed- 
brought that this fort was already in possession of 
the Americans, and every avenue of retreat was 
blockaded by the enemy. Still Burgoyne was too 
proud to submit to his fate, and yield all his bright 
visions of future fame and Horv at once. He resisted 

What 

until the last moment, as hope after hope proved "'i;'.*^^"'"" 
vain, until worn out and weary he agreed, after obliged 
mu'h consultation, upon an honorable surrender of 
the relics of his once splendid army of 10,000 men. 

75. It was stipulated, that on the 17th they were what 
to march out of their camp with the honors of war Tefms'^f 
to the place assigned, where their arms and artillery 
were to be piled at the command of their own offi- 
cers. That a passage should be allowed them to 



surren- 
der! 



296 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. Part II. 

i^ti Grieat Britain on condition of their not serving 
Avhat again during the war. The trophies obtained by 
were'ob- this great capitulation were, officers and soldiers, 
this 5,791. 'The train of brass artillery and other ord- 

great ca- ' '' 

p/^^''f nance was of immense value, consisting of 42 pieces 
of cannon, besides 7,000 muskets, with six thousand 
dozen cartridges, a vast supply of shot, shells, (fee. 
a great number of tents and military stores, with 
clothing for 7,000 men. : 

"ere the '^^^ ^^'^^T po^sible courtcsy was shown to the 

tmo'pr'^ officers, and our soldiers were not allowed to wit- 
ness the surrender. We here see one of the most 
unexpected reverses of fortune, as ordained by divine 
Providence. The proud, presuming foe, the haughty 
commander, who threatened to lay waste our cities 

What is and expose our helpless women to the merciless 

here said ' ' ^ , 

gojMie'? Hessian and savage — who said his army should not 
retreat — was at last obliged to sue for terms of sur- 
render to the very people Avhom he had treated with 
sovereign contempt. With the long and loud huz- 
was""^ za of victory from an oppressed people, arose an- 
wi'th the other cry over the land, of praise to Him wlio limits 

loudhuz- •' ^ A 

toryV'*"' the extent of human power, and decrees in wisdom 
the destinies of nations. 

77. The testimony of several English writers is 
given to the magnanimity with which such foes as 
Burgoyne and his army had been treated. The 
said of magnanimous Gen. Schuyler, notwithstanding Bur- 
fe'r^^i"^" goyne had in wantonness ordered his splendid 
me^'nt of couutry-seat near Saratoga to be destroyed, opened 
goyne? the old family toAvii-mausion to the captive officers. 
Burgoyne learned a lesson on the beauty of forgive- 
ness, and could not forbear saying to Gen. Schuyler, 



Chap. II. FORTS MONTGOMERY AND CLINTON. 297 

"You show me great kindness, sir, though I have i^tt 
done you much injury." To which the noble- 
hearted man replied, " That was the fate of ivar^ 
think no more of UP 

78. It is worthy of note, that at the very time what is 
that Burgoyne was. receiving the most honorable worW 
and generous terms for himself and his army, 

acts of the most wanton barbarism were committed 
by the army of Clinton, on the North river. Clin- 
ton, on the 5th of October, while Burgoyne was ^^l. 
anxiously looking for aid previously to the last bat- hlTciin- 
tle of Saratoga, and only ten days before his sur- ^^^le? 
render, had moved from New York, and under con- 
voy of some ships of war, sailed up the river about 
forty-five miles, landing at Verplanck's Point. 

79. This was done as a feint to deceive Putnam, whywaa 
stationed at Peekskill, who, supposing it to be Clin- done? 
ton's intention to pusli on northward to Burgoyne, 
drew away as many troops as could be spared from 
Forts Montgomery^ and Clinton, to oppose his pro- 
gress. The feint succeeded, and immediately Clin- what did 

1 • 1 f'\- 1 1 Clinton 

ton, takmg advantage oi then- weakened state, 
marched two thousand of his men over the rugged 
range of the Dunderberg, and completely surprised ""^"^'^ 
both garrisons at once. They fought desperately, 
but at last were overpowered, and the forts fell into 
the hands of the British. 

80. Part of the garrison escaped in the darkness what 
of night, but about 250 men were left, includinof of'^thl 

-. ; o garrison? 

the killed and wounded. Gen. Putnam, having 
only a few men to guard some stores, was obliged 
to retire as the enemy approached — destroying 

13* 



do on the 
success 
of this 



298 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. p^^ H^ 

jyy^ every thing in their route of cruelty and deva'sta- 
^vhat tion. Gen. Vaughan, as if to consummate their 
barba°r- barbarity, destroyed the beautiful town of Esopus, 

ism were jy j 17 

ted"by'^" ^°^ sparing the church or any other building. The 
vaugh- situation of Gen. Gates was now perilous in the ex- 
treme ; for, with Burgoyne on one side, and Vaughan 
and Clinton within a few hours' march and sail, 
he felt that what was " to be done 'twere well that 
it were quickly done." 
What SI- Here, too, another providential incident oc- 

Sai curred. A spy, dispatched to Burgoyne, was 
occurred takcu, who, fiudiuff himself in dano^er of detection, 

about J J & to 7 

time? ^'^^ observed to swallow something taken hastily 
from his pocket. An emetic was administered, 
which, although it proved fatal to the spy, was con- 
sidered a lucky escape for the Americans. A silver 
bullet was thrown up, which, being unscrewed, 
was found to inclose a letter from Sir H. Clinton 
to Burgoyne, dated Fort Montgomery, October 8, 
commencing, " Nous voici — and nothing between 
us but GatesJ^ &c., &c. 
Relate. ^^^ ^^ auotlier instance, a man was seized in 
couift'of Gen. Putnam's camp, under suspicious circum- 
found m stances, and on trial, was found to be in the British 

Put- ' ' 

nam's scrvlce. Gov. Trvou addressed a letter to Gen. 

camp ? J 

Putnam, reclaiming the spy as a British officer, and 
threatening vengeance in case he should be exe- 
cuted. This drew from the witty Putnam the fol- 
lowing characteristic reply : 

" Sir : Nathan Palmer, a lieutenant in your king's 
service, was taken in my camp as a s'py — he was 



Chap. II. CAMP AT VALLEY FORGE. 291) 

condemned as a 5py — and you may rest assured, ittt 
sir, that he. shall be hanged as a s})y. 

" I have the honor to he, &c., 

"Israel Putnam." 
" To his Excellency, Gov. Tryon. 
" P. S. Afternoon, — He is hanged^ 

83. Immediately after the surrender of Burgoyne, 
Gen. Gates dispatched a body of troops to the relief 

of Putnam, on which Gen. Clinton ordered the im- ciintoa 

TVT ^r 1 1 • return to 

mediate return or his troops to INew York, having New^ 
by fire and sword completely desolated the country, 
and spread ruin and death in many a peaceful 
family. About the same time, the British troops 
retired to Canada, and the northern department 
was once more restored to tranquilli4y. 

84. We have already ffiven a statement of our 

1 1 11 -11 1 • What is 

army at the south, and have sighed over their re- ^aidof 

J 1 o our 

verses. They wer« men equally brave and true, IrmjT" 
but enfeebled by the detachments Washington 
generously sent to Gates. We left them in their 
huts at Valley Forge, and alluded to their deep 
necessities. No lang-uaffe can depict the suf- our army 

^ ^ ^ at Valley 

ferings of our ancestors at Valley Forge. Night ^oi^se? 
after night, they sat shivering, nearly naked and 
starving, around their fires. Famine stared them 
in the face, and disease disabled hundreds of their 
number. During the day, amid sleet and snow, 
they performed the duty of pack-horses, and carried 
heavy loads of fuel on their naked shoulders, or 
yoked themselves together before rude vehicles of 
their own construction, drawing logs, while the 
snow was stained with the bloodv tracks of their 



3' 10 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 



Part II. 



mt bare feet. When the night came on. their weary 
Umbs ached for repose — the bleak and frozen 
hill-side was the only resting-place for hundreds; 
and as the cold increased, they dared not lie down, 
but slept, sitting in groups around the fires. 

85. Wafehington's heart was often wrung with 
anguish, and he devised every means in his power 
to alleviate their sufferings. But even at this 
time of struggling and adversity, Avhen his soul 
was rent with emotions of ffrief for their suf- 

party temiffs, a party arose m Congress, m concert with 

arose in '^ ' , *■ •' '-' 

gre"s at General Conway and others, endeavoring to re- 

ume? move the chief conunand from the beloved of the 

people, the only man w4io could keep a mutinous, 

naked, sick, and starving army together— the man 

selected by tha God of the oppressed to break the 

chains of bondage. 

Who ^1 86. The candidates named to supersede Wash- 

candi ^ ington were Gens. Mifflin, liCe, Gates, and Conway. 

named to Geu. Gatcs scemcd to be the favorite candidate, and 

super- ' 

Wash- there is every reason to suppose that he did all he 
ingtoii? (jg^j.g(^^ \^ undermining the fair character of Wash- 
ington. But Washington came out of the fire of 
persecution like tried gold. The evil deeds of his 
enemies fell on their own heads. 
What is 87. Gen. Conway was afterward challenged by 
Conway! Gcu. Cadwalladcr for some vile speeches against 
Washington, and received a wound which he sup- 
posed to be mortal. He afterward trembled at the 
remembrance of his treatment of Washington, and 
confessed that he had slandered him. In all his 
pain, and at the honest hour of death, as he sup- 
posed, he wrote a letter to Washins-ton, saying, 



Cliap. II. BARON STEUBEN. 301 

among other expressions of sorrow for what he had 11^*^ 
done, " You are in my eyes the great and good 
manP Truly he was a great and good man. ^^at 
Though his heart recoiled at such base insinuations wl^sh- 
and slanders, he chose to suffer contumely in ffod- conduct 

' . J n under in- 

hke silence, feeling that God had all hearts in his-*""^'- 
hands, and could make even such enemies to be at 
peace with him. Besides, for his country's sake he 
was silent, for he knew that a public defense w^ould 
expose many facts which an exulting enemy should 
not know. 

88. On the 1.5th of November, 1777, a plan of what is 
confederation for the States was adopted, which, the plan 
however, amounted to little more than a friendly ftdera- 
league, and served to unite the colonies more closely 

in their common cause. The plan was proposed 
in the summer of 1775, by Benjamin Franklin, but 
obstacles to its execution arose, which could not 
easily be surmounted until the close of 1777. 

89. In December of this year, Baron Steuben, „,, . . 

•^ ' ' What 19 

relying on the promises of the French Court for l^^ °^ 
remuneration, arrived in this country, and was re- sfeuben? 
ceived by Congress with every mark of distinction. 
He was a man highly respected in Europe, had 
been aid-de-camp to the renowned Frederick, king 
of Pnissia, and was singularly fitted by his previous 
hfe to aid and instruct our undisciplined army. 
Thus the same Providence that raised a leader 
eminently qualified for his work, gave us also friends 
to plead our cause among the princes of the earth. 
The noble foreigner hastened to Valley Forge, and 
forthwith commenced an active system of discipline 
which conduced greatly to our future good success. 



302 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. Part II. 

1TT8 

CHAPTER III. 

CAMPAIGN OF .1778. 

What is 1. In the spiinff of 1778, the French frigate, " La 

said of ... o 7 

t?o/L1u- Sensible," arrived with the intelligence of thenego- 
S the tiation of a treaty of alliance between France and 
America. It. ^vas formed on the basis of perfect 
reciprocity of interest. In it Louis XVI. guaran- 
tied om* commerce and independence. Intelli- 
gence was brought that other European powers 
were favorably inclined to the Republican cause. 
Sa- Washington issued a proclamation from head- 
w^Ts" quarters at Valley Forge, appointing a day of pub- 
vaiiey Rc thauksgiviug to the Almighty Ruler of the uni- 
verse, for having so propitiously defended the cause 
of the American United States. 
Why did 2. When the Ensrlish Ministry were informed of 

the Eng- ® -^ 



'ish^^iis this treaty, they immediately dispatched commis- 

commis- 
sioners 1 
America? 



Ito sioners to America, to attempt a reconciliation ; but 
their offers now could not be accepted : once, the 
How colonists had humbly petitioned as just and loyal 
their oj- subjccts for the very favors now offered, but were 
ceived? spm-j^e^ ixom. the throne, and their petitions treat- 
ed with the utmost contempt. 
What is 3. After the country had been deluged with the 
of^Ve' bloodof its inhabitants, and after innumerable acts 
cans? Qf violence and tyranny, the British meanly offered 
to give them what they asked for in humble terms. 
No, they said with one voice. Independence now, 
and Independence forever. Never would they return 



ry is here 
men- 
tioned ? 



Cliap. III. ENGLAND HUMBLED. 303 

to the mother country. They were firm in this i^^g 
resolve to the last. They had pledged their lives, 
their fortunes, and their sacred honors, to the cause 
of American independence. 

4. They felt the justice of their cause, and had in what 
a strong confidence in the overruling providence a^stronl^ 
of God, and though deficient in many things neces- deuce? 
sary to carry on the war, and apparently incompe- 
tent for the contest, they determined to press on- 
ward. Assailed by oflfers of gold, by threats, still 
they were firm. One of the generals in the army, 
when tempted by one of the commissioners with whatin- 

•■ "^ ' stance ot 

the oflfer of £10,000 sterhng, and any office in fj^J. 
his Majesty's gift, to use his influence in uniting men 
the colonies to Great Britain, replied, " / am not 
worth j^ur chasing ; but such as I am, the King 
of Great Britain is not rich eyiough to buy me." 

5. The pride of the British nation had been what 
greatly humbled by the defeat of their favorite gen- t>ught 
eral, and the ministry received the loudest censures '^nd of 
from the party which had opposed the war. They Sn-^ 
had little anticipated the ignominious result of 
Burgoyne's campaign, and were not prepared to act 

in view of such an event. They had now been 
foiled in their attempt at negotiation and bribery, 
and were at a loss what new method to adopt. 

6. The ratification of the treaty of alliance why^vas 
warned them that French soldiers would soon join K""^^'" 

CV3CU- 

heart and hand with Americans. Deeming Phila- ated? 
delphia a disadvantageous position, being too far 
from the sea, and liable to be blockaded, the minis- 
try transmitted orders that it should be evacuated 
and the royal troops concentrated at New York. 



304 ' REVOLUTIONARY WAR. p^^.^ „, 

T^-j^iyg As Gen. Howe had resigned, Sir Henry Clinton 
Who ^^'^^ appointed commander-in-chief, and on him 
ITcen'. devolved the execution of these orders. 

7. He immediately set about the movement in 
the most secret manner, but it was discovered by 
Lamy- the little band at Valley Forge. Washington im- 
edfand mediately dispatched Lafayette with 2,000 men to 
dilr\^r watch the enemy, and guard the country against 
their marauding parties. He crossed the Schuylkill 
and took post on Barren Hill, mid-way between 
Valley Forge and Philadelphia, being about nine 
miles from either place. 
^^^^^ 8. A spy brought information of his movement 

was^done ^q gj^. Henry Clinton. He immediately sent out 
cHnton a superior force against Lafayette to surprise him, 
ceivin? and bv cuttinsT off his retreat, oblige him to sur- 
aspy^""" render. Through the negligence or perfidy of 
one of Lafayette's piquet guard, he was nearly 
Lafay-^^ surrouudcd at night. At sun-rise the next morn- 
sition. ing a spectacle, which was sufficient to appall an 
older heart than Lafayette's, met his gaze. Be- 
tween him and the Schuylkill lay the British troops 
strongly guarding one of the fords of that river, 
while a large number were so detached as to de- 
scend upon him, when he should attempt to move 
for the remaining passage. 
whafdid 9. At the same moment, Washington from his 
j"^'ton<'o camp discovered the approach of the enemy, and 
t^hrap"" ordered the whole army to be in readiness to march 
threne"^^ to the relief of the detachment, if necessary. With 
his officers he mounted a hill, and with the utmost 
anxiety gazed through his glass, toward the 
Scluivlkill. 



Chap. III. 



BARREN HILL, 305 



10. Cool and collected, Lafayette hesitated not i^^j^s 
a moment. He dared not attack so large a body, 

but he would not surrender. He had recourse to a ^o what 
manoeuvre which gave him great credit. Forming !i^re"di(i" 
his little band partly in heads of columns which ette re- 

' -^ SOI 11 

only extended beyond the woods, the British were 
led to suppose that the whole army was advancing 
against them and halted to give battle. In the 
mean time, beneath the very hill on which the Sf/"'? 
British were posted, Lafayette was silently passing 
on his way, when at last, to the utter surprise of the 
enemy, the heads of the columns retreated with 
speed and the whole detachment readied Valley 
Forge, losing only nine men. Washington em- 
braced his youthful friend, while the army from 
their gloomy huts received him with joyful shouts. 
The retreat at Barren's Hill has always been re- 
garded as a most skilful achievement. 

11. The luunber of troops at Valley Forge in ™the 
May of this year, v.^as about eleven thousand, and of"the' 
the whole American force then in the field did not c«" 

force ? 

exceed fifteen thousand men. The British army 
in Philadelphia and New York amounted to thirty 
thousand, of which nineteen thousand were in the Sl^Bnt- 
former place. Besides these there were neaily 4,000 '' 
at Rhode Island. 

12. On the 18tli of June the English troops what 

' move- 
evacuated Philadelphia, and crossed into New Jer- ^fj^'^ 

sey, whither Washington speedily followed them, the'mii" 

The country seemed filled with red-coated soldiers, ° 

and the baooraare train alone covered twelve miles took 

^•=' ^ _ pl.ice at 

of road. On the 28th of June the two armies wei e ^^°[|jjj 
warmly engaged at Monmouth, sixty-four miles 2sth?^ 



306 ' REVOLUTIONARY WAR. Part II. 

Xij-xs from Philadelphia. The action was conducted with 
great skill on both sides, but although favorable to 
the Americans, was not ^decided victory. 
From 13. This battle was fought on the Sabbath day, 

rhe^soi- and a fearful one it was. All day lonff they fous^ht 
Bufferf ^^ ^^^^ plains of Monmouth, the sun pourmg down 
rays of intense heat, the thermometer being ninety- 
six degrees. Many of the soldiers died of the heat, 
and the cry for water was more awful tban the 
moans of the wounded. An unfortunate retreat 
permitted by General Lee,* nearly deranged the 
plan of operation, and but for the singular bravery 
of Gen. Washington, who commanded the troops 
in person, the battle would have been lost. 
whaUs 14. When word came to Washington, that Lee 
Kn' ^^^^ "^ ^^^^ retreat, the expression of his usually pla- 
Smed"" cid face is said to have been dreadful — with a 
retreat? burst of indignation, he sprang on his horse, and 
the cloud of dust alone told of his route. " Long live 
What did Wcishington P^ the troops shouted as he galloped 
mandof furiously ou until reining up in Lee's presence, he 
demanded of him in tones of severity, whence 
arose the disorder and confusion. 
How did 15. Rebuke from Washington was terrible to 

Lee re- . . ® 

rebuk??^ any one, ^but galling in the extreme to Lee. Not a 

moment was to be lost. Commands were given in 

quick succession and promptly obeyed. Order 

once more was restored, when Washington again 

J^SdM rode up to Lee and in token of his forgiveness, ex- 

ington claimed, " Will you^ sir, command in that "place V 

* Major-general Lee, who was captured in 1776, was ex- 
changed in May, 1778, for Major- general Prescott, who was 
• taken at Rhode Island bv Col. Barton. 



Chap. III. BATTLE OF MONMOUTH. 307 

pointing to the front, exposed to the galling fire of i^ts 
the British. He sullenly replied, " Yes." ^' I ex- 
pect you to check the enetny immediately P " Your ^vhat 
orders^'' replied Lee, stung with mortification, ttl-^ re- 
" shall he obeyed ; I shall not he the first to leave 
thefieldr* 

16. A deadly fire was poured on them, and nobly what is 
they stood their ground. Hamilton was exposed to Hamii- 
the hottest of the fire, and fearing lest Lee might 
again shrink under the heavy onset, exclaimed, 
" I will stay with you — I will die with you — let us 
all die rather than retreat." Wayne, too, showed 

What 

distino^uished valor on this fearful day. The bat- other of- 

o ^ _ -* fleers 

teries of Knox and Stirling were like sheets of ^S^** 
flame, and every thing betokened the energy with §rave?y? 
which the battle was fought. Night only put an 

* Lee, incapable of brooking even an implied indignity, ad- 
dressed two letters to the Commander-in-chief, couched in dis- 
respectful language, and with an air of defiance solicited a trial 
for his conduct. He was immediately put under arrest, charged 
with disobedience of orders, misbehavior before the enemy, and 
disrespect to the Commander-in-chief. He was found guilty 
of all the charges, and was sentenced to suspension from any 
command in the American army for one year. From this mo- 
ment his attacks on the character of Washington were more 
virulent and open, and his language at all times scurrilous and 
profane. He lived a wretched life, secluded from society, in a 
hovel without glass windows or plastering, until the autumn of 
1782, when he took lodgings in a common tavern in Philadel- 
phia. He was soon seized with a violent disease, ^hich speed- 
ily terminated his life, Oct. 2, 1782. IJe was an infidel in prin- 
ciple, and hostile to every attribute of the Deity. In his will he 
requested not to be buried in any church or church-yard, or 
within a mile of any Presbyterian or Anabaptist meeting-house. 
What a contrast between such a death-bed scene and that of a 
Christian, 



30S REVOLUTIONARY WAR. Part II. 

ITT 8 ^^'^^ to ^^^ incessant firing, and as the thunder of 
^,j^^^ the guns died away, both armies, exhausted under 
^^"d ''tS the burning sun, lay down upon the ground, 
tie^? '^ 17. The stiUness of that awful Sabbath even- 
ing was broken by piteous cries for water, and 
the srroans of the dyinsr. The w^earied Americans 

What o .7 

JJi'^^Jg slept soundly, for at the dawn of day they perceived 

?he'"" that the British after midnight had deserted their 

camp, and w^ere already beyond their reach. 



How 18. During- this day no less than 59 British sol- 

many ^ '' 

from*'*''^ diers perished from the heat alone. The iVmeri- 
^^'^^^ cans lost eight officers and sixty-one privates killed. 
What and about one hundred and sixty-one wounded, 
loslon Avhile the British lost, in all, three hundred and fifty- 

both ' ' •' 

sides? eight men, including officers. One thousand men 
deserted during the march, and one hundred were 
^^rjjat taken prisoners. This victory w^as celebrated with 
thought rejoicings throughout the United States, and Con- 
victory'? gress passed a vote of thanks to Gen. Washington 
and his army for their bravery. 

19. Soon after the treaty of alliance had been 

What •' 

we^redis- I'^tified, Fraucc fitted out a fleet of twelve sail of 
foAme'*- the line under Count d'Estaing, to co-operate 
witli our army. Atxhe same time, the British gov- 
ernment sent out a fleet to reinforce Admiral Lord 
Howe. Both fleets were delayed on the passage 
by contrary winds. In July, the French fleet 
fenher' arrived off the coast of Delaw^are, and not finding 
them? the British there, sailed for New York. Here they 
continued eleven days during which they captured 
tw^enty English merchantmen, w^hen, with the ad- 
vice of Washington, D' Estaing sailed for New 
port, with a view of co-operating with the Ameri- 



Chap. 121, FHENCM FLEET. 309 

cans in expelling the British from Rh ce Island, m-^ 
of whicli they had held possession nearly t\yo years. 

20. Sullivan, at the head of ten thousand nien, wilfthe ' 
had crossed over to Rhode Island to co-operate with ment^ of 

' ^ Sullivan? 

the naval force. Generals Greene and Lafeyette ^^. 
were also sent with detachments, and on the 9th ^,',rL|. 
of August, it was agreed to attack Newport by *''^^"^- 
land and water, but on that very morning; Admiral what 

were 

Howe appeared with the British fleet. The French iheir 
admiral in order to engage the enemy to better ad- if^u^^'^^ 
vantage at sea, set sail to attack him. A terrible change? 
storm commenced which raged violently and inces- what ef- 
santly for three days, drenching the exposed forces the 
of Sullivan, and carrying destruction with it on p^^^^j'j^e 
the ocean. The fleets were both disabled, and Snd^the 

, 1 . , • 1 • • /• troops ? 

obhged to put mto their respective ports to reiit. 

2L Gen. Sullivan no lonsrer dared to remain, whatdid 

^ ' Sulhvan 

and after some skirmishing in w^hich there was ^°' 
considerable loss on both sides, the army made 
a skilful retreat to the main-land. It was a for- -^^^y 
tun ate action, for in a few hours Gen. Clinton ar- fomumte 

, . , « , 1 1 . r action? 

rived with four thousand men, and resistance irom 
our little band would have been vain. Thus ended 
an expedition which had promised a great deal, 
and of which high hopes had been entertained. jy^fo-Eg. 
In November, D' Estaing sailed with his fleet for sa'/iin 
the West Indies, to attack the British dependencies 
in that quarter. 

22. Durinsc the summer of this year, a most har- whatoc- 

'-' . . curred 

assing war was carried on by the Indians against f^'g^m. 
the inhabitants on our western frontier, but an ex- [hfJj^eL? 
pedition under the intrepid Col. Clarke soon put an 
end to these outrages. 



310 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. p^rt II. 

ITT 8 The lonely and sequestered vale of Wyoming 
next became the theatre of one of the most horrid 
What is scenes ever witnessed. 

wyo-°^ 23. Many years before the Revolution, a colony 
situation from Connccticut had commenced a settlement in 

and set 

tiement? |_j^-g charming valley through which the Susque- 
hannah flowed. The inhabitants were pious, and 
What is perhaps no spot on earth in so small a settlement, 
the in- numbered so many happy souls. About one thou- 
^'^- sand families were gathered here, and industry and 
How frugality added to their prosperity. When the 
many of j^gyolution brokc out, one thousand brave youths 
ISli of noble sires joined the army. There is not a spot 
™^- on our guilty earth uncursed by evil. Party spirit 
What is ^-rose and the inhabitants divided in two parties. 
Whip* as Whigs and Tories. The former had the ma- 
ries? jority and used some arbitrary measures, which 
so incensed the latter that they vowed to be re- 
venged. 
S?To!*^ 24. Taking advantage of the absence of the sons, 
advan-''^ they rcsolved on one of the blackest acts record- 
a'lif ' ed on the historic pa^e. Joininsr to their number 

what did , , 1 T T 7- • • 1 

they re- scvcral huudred Indians anxious to witness the 

solve ? 



What 
was the 
Indian 
force 7 

What is 



annihilation of the whites — increasing their forces 

to about 1,600 — they started on their demoniacal 

errand. Never did the valley of Wyoming present 

thaieau- ^ more beautiful aspect, as far as nature's rich gifts 

on?ing at blcsscd it ; but a close observer could mark in the 

time? hurried step and quickened speech of the old men, 

and the anxious face and tearful eye of the women, 

that danger was apprehended. 

25. Their fears were somewhat calmed by a 
message from Col. Butler, the Tory commander, 



Cliap. III. MASSACRE AT WYOMING. 311 

that he Would not harm them, but would Hke to f^is 
hold a parley with them. Accordingly Col. Zebu- 
Ion Butler, a cousin of the commander of the sav- 
age horde, accompanied by nearly all of the men in 
the settlement, capable of bearing arms, went out 
to meet them. Instantly the work of murder com- 
menced, and nearly every man was butchered in fie'if ar" 
the most awful manner. "''''■ 

26. The affrighted women and children fled to where 
the forts, which had been hastily erected, and every women 

' •' ' J and chil- 

possible means of defense was adopted by Col. Agg" 
Dennison, who was left in command of the remain- 
der of the men. Soon, the horrid band came with ^h^^X^- 



What 
message 
did Bul- 
lersend? 

Who waa 
sent to 
meet 
them, 
and what 
took 



Ti 1 . . 1 /• 1 1 pearance 

yells and miprecations to the lort, and to make gf^^fhe 
their errand known, they threw the bleeding scalps attacked 
of 196 heads of their beloved ones into the fort. ^^^ *°"' 
Feeling resistance to be vain, Dennison sent out to 
inquire the terms of surrender, to which Butler re- Describe 
plied, " The Hatchet.^'' A few moments completed ^f^^t^^g 
the horrid work. The men were murdered, and Tutch-"^ 
the women with 'their babes were locked in the ^'^' 
houses and forts, and destroyed in one awful con- 
flagration. Humanity sickens at the recital of such 
scenes. 

27. Wyoming was never more called the happy w^at is 
valley. The few who survived the massacre, had wyo-° 

, ming ? 

a bitter lot, and the grave received crushed and 
broken hearts, when at last their pilgrimage was ""^^^^^^^ 
ended. Similar acts of atrocity took place at Cherry a,Ts'per- 
valley in New York and at Tappan, but we for- ^^!|^'^'j^/ 
bear : the story of human beings engaging in such thLV/- 
deeds, is painful to the heart. In all these instan- the^e'^ne- 



312 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. p^^.^ jj, 

1--9 ces '' Quarter" was asked, and answered only with 
a plunge of the bloody knife. 

M'hatdid 28. Toward the close of this campaign, the Brit- 
ish finding, after the capture of Burgoyne, nothing 



could be gained at the North, determined to change 
the plan of operations, and attempt the subjugation 



the Brit 
i>n re 
i^olve to- 
vxuid 
the close 
of this 
cam- 

of tlie South. 
^^^^l In November, Sir Henry Clinton dispatched Col. 
Si?' Hen^- Campbell with about two thousand men to com- 
ton '" mence operations against Georgia, then one of the 

weakest States. The American forces under the com- 
^id^Jt ^'^^^^ of their general, Robert Howe, were inadequate 
Ameri- to resist the enemy. They fought bravely, howev 
forces in eY, but fiuallv wcro overcome, and after a short con- 

the ' *" ' 

'^"^>'- test the capital surrendered, and the whole of Geor- 
whatof gia came into possession of the British. This was 
fn'^lhe the only State in the Union in which a legislative 
the^ Brit- body assembled, under the authority of Great Brit- 
ain, after tbe Declaration of Independence. 
What is 29. Thus ended the campaign of 1778, the least 

said of . . , , . . /• 1 

this cam- miportant of any smce the beginnmg oi the war. 
Gen. Lincoln received orders from Congress to 
take command of the southern forces, and the army 
under Washington retired to winter-quarters near 
Middle-Brook in New Jersey. 



What of 
the ar- 
my? 



Chap. IV. PLAN OF CAMPAIGN. 313 

ITTO 

CHAPTER IV. 

CAMPAIGN OF 1779. 

1. Never had the finances of the country been in what 

. •' was the 

SO low a state, as in the beginning of 1779. Never th^^fi^ 
had party spirit and private jealousies been more "779?^'° 
rife in Congress, than at this moment. A gloomy 
prospect was presented to the American patriot. 
Here, again, the peculiar virtues and talents of 
Washington were exhibited in their brightest light, ^^.^^^j^ 
Attacked by misrepresentations and angry speeches, Ji'^wash^ 
and loaded with a weight of troubles both in the uSaii 

. his trials? 

camp and out, still hoping and confiding in the arm 
of Providence, onward he went in the path of duty, 
the " great and good man," imitating the meek and 
lowly One, w^ho, when he was reviled, reviled not 
again. 

2. Washington spent some time in Philadelphia what 

*-^ * '■ plan was 

with Congress, maturing a plan for the campaign. Po^^Pt^-f 
It was concluded to hold the army entirely on the pai^n? 
defensive, with the exception of visiting with con- 
dign punishment the Tories and Indians, who had 
committed such merciless ravages the preceding 
year. This defensive plan was necessary, from the ^^^^^^^ 
exhaustion of the treasury. Efforts had been made ^^^ ^""^ 
to negotiate loans in Europe, but only small sums ^tse ^ 
had been obtained. No other resource remained 
than to emit bills of credit, or paper money. In 1775 what^i^s 
three millions of dollars were issued. As a circu- sJ^n^ut-^' 
lating medium, these bills were exceedingly valuable, money? 

14 



314 REVOLUTIONARY WAR,. Part 11- 

niQ 3. At the commencement of 1779 the amounr 

issued had risen to over one hundred milRons of 

was the dollars, and during this year, the amount was dou 

conse- ^ o ^ ) 

ofsuch bled. A necessary consequence of such an im- 
Bk»n"if ' mense issue of bills of credit, was a depreciation of 
money? notcs to ucarlv a fortieth of their nominal value. 

4. The scanty provision made for the mainte- 
nance of the officers, induced many resignations, 
^^^^ until Congress, after having been repeatedly warned 
tfoftd t)y Washington, awoke to the true state of affairs. 
gress They resolved that half-pay should be allowed their 
live to officers, for seven years after the expiration of their 
siidiefs services, and subsequently extended it to the dura- 
'"'""^^'tion of their lives. 

whatex- 5. Throughout this year, little more was aimed 
}>;a3 at by the British in the North, than depredation and 

fitted out •' J r 

Yo^k,"' butchery. For this purpose an expedition was 

fs"sa7d^of fitted out from New York against Virginia, in which 

private and public property was indiscriminately 

destroyed, and the most ferocious cruelty every 

where marked their path. In twenty-one days 

Portsmouth and Norfolk were seized, one hundred 

and tw^enty-seven vessels were taken or burned, 

and two and a half millions of property destroyed. 

It was an expedition only worthy of Goths — being 

undertaken merely for plunder. 

What is 6. A similar expedition was made against Con- 
here said . 1 >-. m T 1 r I 1 • 

of Gov. necticut, under Gov. iryon. in works oi brutality 

Tryon? ' •^ •' 

he was often selected by Gen. Clinton. No act was 
too vile for him to perform — no place too sacred to 
desecrate. New Haven, Fairfield, and Norwalk 
were visited, and exhibited fearful scenes of plun- 
der, conllagration, and distress. Before applyiiig 



Chap. IV. PUTNAM AT HORSE NECK. 315 

the torch, the soldiers were allowed to break open 1^79 
trunks, closets, and places of deposit, and appropri- ^j^^^ 
ate to their own use money, jewelry, or any other TOmiS 
article they coveted. After these marauding incur- on'smen? 
sions, females, frantic and starving, were found wan- 
dering in swamps and solitary places, w^hither they 
had fled for safety. 

7. Washington could do little to protect these ^^^^ 
places. He dared not divide his small army sta- waih"°* 
tioned on both sides of the North river, in the im- S" 

rrien to 

mediate vicmity of the enemy, as he would then pi^ot|cf- 
subject the whole to be destroyed. Besides, in ^^^"^^^ 
order to protect the inhabitants, he must have an 
army sufficiently large to cover the country, he 
therefore deemed it prudent to risk no more than 
was consistent with the general welfare. 

8. About this time General Putnam performed Describe 
his celebrated feat of riding^ down the stone stairs nam's 

'--' celebra- 

at Horse Neck. He with 150 men was attacked by of'rkifng 
Gov. Tryon, with 1,500, and retarded the advance Srs^af 
of the enemy, until he saw the infantry and cavalry Neck. 
preparing for a charge. He instantly ordered his 
men to retire to a neighboring swamp, and plung- 
ing his rowels in his steed, rode down the precipice 
to the utter consternation and chagrin of the British 
dragoons. A shower of balls were poured upon him. 
He remained unharmed, though one pierced his hat. 
After procuring a reinforcement, he faced about and 
pursued Gov. Tjyon, taking about fifty prisoners. 

9. The campaign of 1779 will ever be memora- 
blefor the reduction of Stony Point, one of the most f^'^^f 
brilliant actions during the war. This post was ^'''"" 
on the west bank of the Hudson river, and was of 



316 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. Part II. 

1779 vast importance to either army. It had been 
strengthened by every means of art. Situated on 
an eminence washed by the Hudson on two sides, 
while a swamp overflowed by the tide lay on the 
other side. Six hundred men guarded this fort, 
and a double row of abattis surrounded the entire 
hill. Washington committed this hazardous en- 
terprise to the gallant Wayne. 
Describe ^^' ^^ ^^^ cveuiug of July 16th, after marching 
Sirch fourteen miles over lofty heights, through deep mo- 
stony rasses and narrow defiles, with his band of twelve 
hundred, he approached the fort, within a mile. 
Every thing depended on silence, and he sternly or- 
dered each man to march with unloaded musket 
and fixed bayonet. At midnight, dividing his men 
into two parties, and heading one division himself, 
orders were given for one party to enter the fortress 
at the right, and the other at the left. The tide had 
flooded the whole marsh, yet they stopped not for 
that. 
Describe H- An advancc party of twenty men attacked 
tack.^ the double palisade, when instantly the sentinels 
upon the fort shouted in hot haste, "The foe — they 
come, they come ! " while from below Wayne 
sounded in startling accents, " On to the fort, my 
brave men, on to the fort !" A tremendous fire was 
poured upon them, but onward they marched 
through the morass, driven into spray by the grape- 
shot and balls, while the hissing, bursting shells fell 
around them in every direction. At last the heavy 
axes of the advance party or forlorn hope forced 
their way, and a shout of joy sounded through the 
air. 



Cliap. IV. STONY POINT. 317 

12. At this moment their gallant leader fell, 1779 
wounded in the head. Although wounded, he said whatu 
to his men, with enthusiastic tones, ^^ March on, wW^e? 
and carry me to thefort^for I ivill die at the head 

of my column.-^ They lifted him, and with his 
head upon a faithful breast, they bore him onward 
until the centre of the fort was reached, and both 
parties met, when a deafening shout rent the- air. were 
The point was gained. The fort was carried, and cessfuiin 
the military stores, standards, and ordnance fell ^^^'^ 
into the hands of the Americans. The ^English 
lost over six hundred, in killed and prisoners. 

13. The brave are scrupulous in the observance what 

was the 

of the laws of humanity toward a conquered foe. ^°"'j;^^* 
Our honest soldiers abstained from pillage or dis- ''"''•'''' 
order, and disdained to take the lives of those who 
asked " quarter ;" thus showing, as was said to 
Wayne, that "bravery, humanity, and magnanimity 
are the national virtues of the Americans." 

Soon after, the British at Paulus Hook, opposite w^at 
to New York, were surprised by Major Lee, who post was 
succeeded in storming the works and taking one 
hundred and sixty prisoners. 

14. While these events were transpiring at the ^e^Br?- 
North, scenes of equal interest were enacted in t?sS 
Georgia and South Carolina. The enemy were south 

o _ -^ with 

encouraged by hope of a speedy victory, as the ^^^®- 
country was weak through a scanty population, 
numerous slaves and tories. 

As has been already mentioned, Gen. Lincoln ^^^'^^ 
was dispatched to collect the army, scattered after southl"' 
the battle of Savannah, in December of 1778, and 
to defend the inhabitants as much as possible from 



318 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 



Pari II. 



i^'^Q the marauding attacks of the British and tories. 
What is Many of these were men of infamous character, 
thL uy more soKcitous for booty than for the interests of 
the king. They had been reinforced by troops from 
whosuc- Florida, and Prevost received the chief command 

ceeded " 

bei™P" of the Southern Britis}j army, in the place of Camp- 
bell, who had returned to England. 
What l-o. The first object of the British was to get pos- 

firstob- session of Port Royal in South Carolina, but they 
ish?^"' were met by Col. Moultrie, of whom we have spoken, 

and repylsed with great loss. 
Why did Encouraged by this action, Gen. Lincoln sent an 
coinsen"d' exDcdition of fifteen hundred men under Gen. Ash, 

Gen. Ash ^ . . ■ r^i ■ 

fheene- ^^ leprcss the mcursions oi the enemy m Georgia, 
Georgia? and by driving them from their posts on the Sa- 
vannah, confine them to the low and unhealthy 
country near the ocean. The British, as they ap- 
proached, evacuated Augusta, and Gen. Ash pur- 
sued them as far as Briar Creek. Here he was sud- 
gaidof denly and unexpectedly surprised by Prevost, w^ho, 
^^iJ/^ with nine hundred veterans, by a circuitous march, 
^^^"^^ had fallen upon his rear. One hundred and fifty of 
the Americans were killed by the first fire of the 
enemy, and in retreat, many were drowned in the 
Savannah river, or engulfed in the deep morasses 
on its margin. By this unfortunate surprise, 
Gen. Lincoln lost one-fourth of his army, and the 
British were again in full possession of Georgia. 
What 16. Great apprehensions were now entertained 

now'^en- ^^•' ^^^ Safety of the adjacent States, and the brave 
tertain- Carohuiaus, defeated but not discouraged, gathered 
around the standard of Lincoln. John Rutledge, 
a man beloved and extensively known in that re- 



Chap. IV. ADMIRAL d'eSTAING. 819 

giori, was elected governor, and invested with die- 1771; 
tatorial powers. 

The condition of the southern States claimed the what is 
immediate attention of Congress, as Lincohi's army, Li'ncoin's 
except a few hundred continentals, consisted of ""-iwijat 
inexperienced militia, and many of these \\;ere he- '^'^'e 
coming impatient of absence from their homes. eMia'y 
Washington sent a part of his own small band, and 
solicited D'Estaing, who was still employed in ope- 
rations against the British in the West,^ Indies, to 
proceed immediately to the southern States, to en- 
gage in the fall campaign, 

17. D'Estaing at once accepted the invitation, what is 
and in September appeared off the coast of Georgia, n.Es- 
to the great surprise of tlie British, and captured ^^"'^^1' 
three frigates and a fifty gun ship. But the Bri- 
tish concentrated all their forces at Savannah, and whatdid 
made diligent preparations for defense. D'Estaing taml'de- 

11 1 1 1 1 - . . , man'l? 

proudly demanded a surrender ot the town, which, 
aftei- 24 hours' consideration, was refused bv Pre- ^^^^L 

' ./ was the 

vost, saying he meant to hold out to the last. Im- Prevos!? 
mediately 37 cffnnon and 9 mortars, accompanied 
by 16 heavy guns from the fleet, opened a furious 
discharge. The garrison replied by a fire from 
nearly 100 cannon, and kept up an unceasing roar, 
day and night, for five days. Still no breach had 
been made, but the sufferings of the inhabitants 
were fearful. 

18. At last D'Estaing and Lincoln determined Describe 
on an assault, leadmg on their armies in three «^"'^- 
columns of the French, and one of the Americans. 
D'Estaing, at the head of the first column, bran- 
dishing his sword, marched boldly on, but was soon 



320 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. p^ri h. 

17 T9 borne wounded from the field. A deadly contest 
What is ensued, in the midst of whicli two hundred liorse- 
plIiLki/ men came galloping to the place, with Pulaski at 
their head — but he was soon mortally wounded. 
Of Lau. 19. Onward next came the gallant Laurens, in 

rensi ^ , ' 

the hot fire, regardless of danger. It is said, 
when he found his brave band routed and in con- 
fusion, that in despair he " flung away his sword, 
and with his noble soul wrung with bitterest an- 
guish, strq^tched forth his hands and prayed for 
/leath, and refused to stir till forced away by his 
companions." Near him was the beloved of all 
who knew" him, the simple-hearted, self-denying 

per?"^^^' Jasper, grasping in death the standard presented to 
his regiment at Fort Moultrie. The British sus- 

wasthe tained a slight loss, but more than a thousand 

loss of . 

uelV^'' Frenchmen and Americans lay stretched on the 
field. D'Estaing,* anxious to emoark for Europe 
before the autumnal storms, refused to stay longer, 
and Lincoln was obliged to retreat across the Sa- 
vannah into South Carolina. 
Describe 20. During the summer of thi^year. Gen. Sul- 
vansex livau was successful in his expedition asrainst the 

pedition • " 

theiories Indians and tories under the command of Brandt, 
dkJis/"" Butler, and others, who were imphcated in the 
massacre at Wyoming. He boldly pursued them 
to the very heart of their country, and burned forty 
Indian villages, destroying in his route more than 
150 bushels of corn, and every vestige of their in- 



* The French fleet encountered severe storms on its return, 
and arrived at Brest in a very shattered condition. D'Estaing 
was one of the victims of the guillotine during the French Rev- 
olution. 



Chap. IV. - PAUL JONKS. 321 

dustry. After an absence of nearly two months he 1^19 
returned to Pennsylvania, about the middle of 
October, having lost but forty men. The Indians 
were intimidated by thi« severe chastisement, 
and the frontier settlements enjoyed repose for a 
time. 

21. This year was siarnalized by the victories For what 
achieved by our mlant navy, under the command ?^|'jai- 
of the intrepid Paul Jones. The French govern- 
ment aided our commissioners at Paris in fitting 

out a squadron of three frigates and two smaller 
vessels, and Jones was the chosen commander. 
After capturinsT some vessels off the coast of Scot- what la 

' '^ _ said of 

land, he fell in with a Baltic merchant fleet of 41 anli^^is 
sail, under convoy of the British frigate Serapis, of *^''^'- 
41 guns, and the Countess Scarborough, of 20 guns. 
The convoy immediately separated, but the two 
war frigates advanced to the battle with flowing 
sheets. The promontory of Flamborough, on the 
coast of England, about three miles distant, was 
covered with spectators. 

22. At the close of a beautiful September day, Describe 
with the light of a full moon, the hostile vessels ul ^^*" 
commenced their fire. The British having guns 

of superior metal, Jones ordered his ship to be 
lashed to that of the enemy. The action then 
became terrific — the muzzles of the enemy's guns 
touched theirs, and the gunners, in ramming their 
cartridges, often thrust their ramrods into tlie ene- 
my's ports. Pearson, the British commander, en- 
deavored repeatedly to cut the vessels loose. The 
details of this battle surpass any thing of the kind 
recorded in naval warfare. The " Bon Homme 

14* 



322 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. Part II. 

\<t>XQ Richard" of Jones was old and rotten, and by the 
^hatis incessant firing had become abnost unmanageable, 
jones^^ and soon, only three guns were effective. 



23. He then assailed^-the enem}^ with grenades, 
which set fire to the Serapis in several places. In 



vessel 

What 

took 

place 

tVves- the midst of the uproar a cry was heard that the 

sel was *■ ^ '^ 

bToi *" ^^^ Homme Richard was sinking, and at the same 
^^' awful moment the Alliance, another vessel of 
Jones' squadron coming up, and mistaking his ves- 
sel for the British, opened a broadside upon him. 
The water was pouring in in torrents, and in the 
confusion, a hundred English prisoners were re- 
leased, and Capt. Pearson hailed to know if the 
llid^of colors were struck? Jones, undismayed when all 
^""^'' around despaired, was enraged at the various acci- 
dents, and in a voice of thunder told Pearson he 
would never strike his colors ! Immediately he 
ordered the hundred prisoners to the pumps, de- 
claring they should sink with the vessel, if they 
refused to work. It is beyond the power of de- 
scription to paint the frightful scene during these 
four hours. The Serapis, at length, as the fire 
rolled around her masts, struck her colors, and Jones 
was conqueror. 
What is 24. But the Bon Homme Richard was a shat- 

said of /• • I 

Homme ^^^red tiling — riddled, and on fiie m two places. 

Richard/ jQj^gg jg gaid to liave watchcd her with intense 
anxiety and a swelling heart, as he saw her last 
mast disappear, and finally the eddying weaves close 
over her as she sunk with the three hundred vic- 
tims of that fearful contest. 

was the The value of his prizes during a short cruise of 

vahie of i 

JnzM? three months, was estimated at more than a quar- 



the 
state of 
our army 
at this 



Chap. IV. CLOSE OP THE CAMPAIGN. 323 

ter of a million of dollars. Louis XVI. conferred itjq 
on him the Order of Merit, and Congress gave him Howwas 
a vote of thanks, and presented him with a gold wardid 

' ^ . ° for his 

medal, to commemorate the victory. bravery i 

25. The campaign of 1779 ended without any ^^^^^^ 

decisive results. The main division of the army amy go 

went into winter- quarters at Morristown, while ter-quar- 

^ ; ters ? 

detachments were stationed at West Point and 
other posts on the Hudson. 

This campaign terminated in gloom. The ^^^l^ 
Americans, with a feeble army, reduced in num 
bers, and an exhausted treasury, while Great Bri- time 
tain was redoubling her energies, having bound- ^j^^^^ ,j, 
less resources at command. Parliament agreed to ^^If' 
send one hundred and twenty thousand men to doT ^° 
America, and voted fifty millions of dollars for the 
support of tha war. Washington had not such 
resources at command — he saw with anguish a 
discontented, starving army on the verge of mutiny 
— Congress convulsed and weakened by dissensions whatdid 
— an inefficient ally in France, and' to use his own S^n 
words, uttered in bitterness and ffrief, he declared ^""^ p™»- 

' o 7 pects at 

that "friends and foes were combining to puH this time? 
down the fabric they had been raising at the ex- 
pense of so much time, blood, and treasure."* 

♦ Washington's Letters. 



324 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. Part II. 

1780 

CHAPTER V. 

CAMPAIGN OF 1780. 

m 

What 1. C)isaffection to the Ameiicau cause was daily 

was the •' 

feeifn'J^at increasmg at the South, while the adherents of the 
and^'X' crown were becoming more numerous. The suc- 
nJopie cessive defeats of the Americans during a protracted 

long for ... 

peace? ^y^r, aud the numberless miseries accompanying 
such a state of affairs, made the people long for 
What did peace. Savannah, the chief town in Georgia, was 
dof*"" in the hands of the British troops ; and Sir Henry- 
Clinton, taking immediate advantage of the depar- 
ture of the French fleet, resolved to gain possession 
of the capital of South Carolina. Leaving the com- 
mand of the royal army to Gen. Knyphausen, he 
sailed fiom New York, on the 26th of Dec, 1779, 
with about 8,000 troops, and a large amount of 
military stores. ' 
DescnLe 2. Hc had uot proccedcd far, when a violent 
of^thr storm arose, in which the fleet was driven far from 

storm. . - • • 11 1 

Its course. A vessel was lost, contammg all the 
heavy ordnance, and nearly all the artillery and 
cavalry horses perished. The troops, after a dan- 
gerous passage, eflfected a landing in the last of 
January-, and began to repair their losses among 
the tory population, preparatory to the siege of 
Charleston. • # 

What is 3. Gen. Lincoln was at Charleston, doinar everv- 

said of , .... - r 1 1 

Lincoln? thmg m his power to prepare for a bold defense. 
He had only a small band, amounting to about^ 



Cliap. V. SURRENDER OF CHARLESTON. O i.) 

3,000 effective men and some armed citizens, to i-^go 
check the approach of 9,000 veteran troops. Clin- ^vhati7 
ton, with liis well-fed and clothed army, might have the' °^ 
entered the town in a few hours, but he chose to mei.tsof 

Clinton? 

protract his operations. 

4. After remaining a month on the islands south 
of the city, he crossed the Ashley river on the first 
of April, and began the siege in form, by the erec- 
tion of batteries within eight hundred yards of the JJfe"""^^ 
American works. These works consisted of a chain caT"" 
of redoubts, lines, (fcc, stretchincr across the penin- between 

' ' ' ~ '^ the Ash- 

sula from the Ashley to the Cooper river, on which c^eJ 
were mounted eighty cannons and mortars. A "^'^'^ 
canal, filled with water, was in front of this, besides under 
two rows of abattis and a picketed ditch. These supeVvi- 

• sion 

defenses were constructed under the superintend- ^Ijfcon 
ence of the French engineer, Launay. stnutedi 

5. On the 9th of April, Gen. Clinton sent a sum- what is 
mons to Gen. Lincoln, to surrender, which he thesiege, 

' ^ ' and why 

promptly refused, and the siege w^ent on for ten SnHuV- 
days, when a second summons was sent and re- '^^"''^'■• 
jected. After a vain and desperate struggle, day 
after day, and night after night, amid the most 
alarming discouragements, shut up by sea and land 
— all provisions, save a little rice, exhausted — Lin- 
coln, at last, listened to tlie entreaties of the dis- 
tressed inhabitants, and capitulated. 

/ 6. On the 12th of May, his entire army laid down J^i^'^f 
their arms, and South Carolina was given over to 153?" 
the exulting troops of a rapacious and sanguinary 
foe. There was scarcely a soldier in Georgia or 
South Carolina, who was not either in arms for the 
crown or a prisoner on parole. The number that 



^6 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. Part II. 

1780 surrendered was about 6,000, including 1,000 Ameri- 
can and French seamen. Tiie artillery amounted 
to about 400 pieces. The loss during the siege, on 
each side, was nearly equal ; of the Americans, 254- 
were killed or wounded ; of the British, 268. 

mel<- '^' Clinton immediately endeavored to gain the 



ures did 
Clinton 
adopt to 



Clinton entire possession of the State, and dispatched three 



secure 
posse 



Were the 
terms of 
the trea 



detachments to seize important posts. By these 
sHjn of the country bordering on the Santee was scoured, 
sute? Georgetown and Ninety-six seized, while the infa- 
Describe uious Tarletou spread terror and death wherever 
euie"" he passed. When the helpless and dyinof sued for 

practised , ' ^ o 

ton^^^'^" q^iarter, it was refused — whole bands of men, who, 
after fighting bravely, were obliged to surrender, 
asking quarter, were barbarously murdered. 

8. Feeling satisfied with the state of afl^airs in 
kepT South Carolina, Sir Henry Clinton embarked for 

accord- -^ 

prom?se? ^^^ York, Icavlug CornwaUis with an army of 
4,000 men to complete the subjugation of the 
South. In a short time the terms of the treaty 
signed at the capitulation were openly and grossly 
violated, and the people, who, under honest and 
^hat kind treatment, would have quietly obeyed, arose 
Son indignantly at such treachery. CornwaUis had 
sued? issued a proclamation, stating, whoever would not 
take an active part in securing his majesty's gov- 
ernment, should be treated as rebels. Many suf- 
fered for a time, but the provocations becoming 
more insufferable, they- formed themselves in small 
bands for partisan warfare. These, for a long time 
Who spread desolation among the tories. Among the 
leaders of leaders of these bands, and foremost for braveiy 

the parU- ' -' 

tHbes, and integrity of purpose, were Marion and Sum- 



Chap. V. BATTLE OF CAMDEN. 3:47 

ter. Many a tale of boldness is recorded of these i^qq 
noble men, who, regardless of every thing like per- 
sonal emolument, thought only of their country, 
and liberty for their children.* 

9. These bands of patriots were without pay — 
they wore no uniform, and depended from day to 
day on chance for subsistence. Often they were 
destitute of ammunition, and were obliged to watch 2[iW* 
as their companions shot down the enemy, when *^^'"' 
they woijld instantly seize their muskets and car- 
tridges. Saw-mills furnished them broadswords, 

and the patriot women, with their own hands, 
brought oat their pewter dishes to be formed into 
bullets. At night, the cold earth, when they slept, . 
was their resting-place, but frequently they marched 
durino^ its Uve-long- hours. 

10. While Sumter, Marion, and their com- ^g^re as- 
panions in suffering and toil, Colonels Cleveland, S Ma- 
Campbell, Selby, Williams, and Sevier, with their 
equally brave men, were achieving a succession of 
gallant enterprise, a continental army, under Gen. 
Gates, who had superseded Gen. Lincoln in com- "^^^'■'' 



was Gen. 
Gates ? 



__» * A British officer had been sent from Georgetown to nego- 

/ tiate an exchange of prisoners, and was taken to Gen. Marion's 
tent. An interesting interview took place, during which the 
officer partook with Marion of a humble dinner of roasted sweet 
potatoes. He was so affected by Marion's sentiments and ar- 
dent love for liberty, that on his return he resigned his commis- 
sion and retired from the service, declaring that it was useless 
to fight against such men. He had little dreamed of the priva- 
tions of our people, until he saw an American" general and his 
officers, without pay, almost without clothes, dining on roots, 
and drinking nothing but water, and all these privations en- 
dured for liber tv. ■ 



328 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 



Part II. 



1T80 i^and, was approaching Camden, about 110 miles 
north-west from Charleston. 

whowas 11- The brave De Kalb was also with these 

Gates? troops, and had Gates listened to his prudent ad- 
vice, we have good reason to suppose much blood 
might have been spared. He had been advised by 
De Kalb to proceed by a southern route, where he 
could obtain an abundant supply of provisions ; but 

,,^^ ^ . in rash haste, which was afterward changed to in- 

what IS . ■ ' o 

If^Qsui excusable tardiness, he took a straight road, lead- 
She mlnfing through a dreary pine barren, and many of his 
men died on the route of disease, fatigue, and hun- 
ger. At length, arrived near the enemy, his haste 
cites"*^ seemed suddenly to leave him, and he spent four 
Si"? days in skirmishing, while, in the mean time, during 
his dilatoriness, the enemy received reinforcements. 
Still the royal troops amounted only to two thou- 
sand, while the Americans numbered four thou- 
sand. 
What 12. At midnight, on the 11th of August, both ar- 

ttnight lilies ignorant of the other's approach, found them- 
lui?"^' selves almost in contact, and the gloom of night 
was illumined with flashes of musketry. Skir- 
mishes took place during the night, in which the 
whatad- British had the advantage. De Kalb asrain ven- 

vice did i 

J5fgKaib tured to advise Gates, as he was hemmed in be- 
Gates? tween two swamps, to change his position, but he 
madly refused, insinuating that De Kalb's advice 
What arose from fear. The day broke, and the engage- 
piace in mcut becamB areneral, but with the first furious 

the first • * ' 

eneagi- charge of the British bayonets, the Virginia troops 



engage 
ment? 



under Gates fled, while the confusion spread to the 
North Carolina militia. 



Chap. V. BARON DE IvALB. 329 

13. All was disorder, save among the brave men nso 
under De Kalb, who, at their head, in the hottest ^r^atig 
of the fight, for a time withstood the advancing bat- Delcaib 
talions. At last Tarleton with his dragoons at full men? 
gallop, came riding down De Kalb's men without 
mercy — there were no American cavalry to keep 
them in check. De Kalb,* the noble friend of Ame- 
rica, fell pierced with eleven wounds. His men, who ^ 
loved him devotedly, surrounded his wounded form, 
exclaiming in bitterness, "Save the Baron de Kalb ! 

save the Baron de Kalb !" what is 

14. De Kalb ha'd a presentiment, that he would S'of 
fall in this battle, and had said, in replv to Gates' anV '^ 

, Gates? 

insinuations, " A few hours will prove who are the 
brave." These words were true. While De Kalb 
and his men were contending with the whole British 
army. Gates actually put spurs to his horse and fled 
with the utmost precipitation for eighty miles with- 
out stopping. His northern laurels had indeed 
furne'd to southern willows. t what 

15. The British lost five hundred in this engage- ['^'f g^fj. 
ment, but it is impossible to estimate the loss of "''■ 

/ , * Individuals of both armies, struck wilii admiration at De 
Kalb's noble conduct, endeavored to shield his body, and some 
lost their own lives in the attempt. To a British officer, who 
tenderly watched the dying man, and endeavored with his aids 
to staunch the wounds, he said, " / thank you for your generous 
sympathy, but I die the death J always prayed for — the death of a 
soldier fighting far the rights of man." His last moments were 
spent in dictating a letter to the brave men who supported him 
during the action, of whom he said, " He had no words that could 
sufficiently express his love and admiration of their ralo/." 

■f Lee met Gates on his way to join the southern army, and, 
as if in prophecy of what took place at Camden, said, " Beware, 
your northern laurels do not turn 'to southern willows." 



330 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. Part II, 

17 80 Americans, as no leLurns were made after the 
^jjy battle. 

Bdtfsh^^ Gates, with 150 men of his miserable army, re- 
in the treated to Hillsborouffh. There remained no army 

pursuit ^ " "^ 

Suesu" ^^ oppose Cornwallis, and sickness, arising from the 
pestilential air of a southern summer, checked the 
British in their pursuit of conquest. 

Congress at last resolved to supersede Gates, and 

How ordered an examination of his conduct. He no 

were 

ti^f ci- longer endeavored to supplant Washington. 

[Jf^the In the northern States, hostilities were carried 
on by desultory operations, in which fifty houses in 
Springfield, a church and several houses at Con- 
necticut Farms were burned, and various other 
places destroyed. 

16. In proportion as misfortunes increased ih^ 
every part of the United States, the oppressed people 

here^said Seemed in this, the darkest hour of their struffsfle, 

of the ' ^^ ' 

Ameri- to have been animated with a renewed love for 

can 

women? liberty. Even the females, who, under ordinary 
circumstances, would shrink from such scenes, came 
forward, in various ways assisting the sick and the 
dying, or procuring food for the. starving. Deny- 
ing themselves cheerfully many of the necessaries 
of life, they joined, heart and hand, in this glorious 
cause-. Many of the ladies of Charleston displayed 

What did much zeal in the cause of their country, and gloried 

do to as- in the appellation of rebel ladies. 

sistthe ^^ 

£•^5'^" 17. France determined to assist the Americans 
still farther ; and, persuaded by Lafayette, who 
had returned for a short time to his native country, 
they dispatched, on the 10th of July, Admiral de 
Ternay, who arrived at Rhode Island, with a squad- 



cans . 



Chap.V. MISFORTUNES INCREASH. 331 

roil of 7 sail of the line, 10 frigates and armed ves- i-^go 
sels, besides 6,000 men under tiie command of the 
brave and experienced Count de Rochambeau. But 
before these generous allies had time to act, they 
were blockaded at Rhode Island by Admiral Ar- 
buthnot, with 10 sail of the line. 

18. This was a deep disappointment to the Ameri- what 
cans, but a deeper one was in store for them. They in^^ 

' ^ . - could the 

could brave all the horrors of war, the rig^ors of win- ±^^'}- 

J O CdllS ell" 

ter, scantily clad, and nearly starved — endure the tuhout 
absence from home and all its endearments, with miirs? 
few murmurs and with manly hearts — but a shudder 
of indignation and a heart-sickness overcame them 
when the treason of Arnold was brought to light, fjf-^ 

19. Arnold a traitor! — Arnold, loaded with theJJ-geoT 
praises of a grateful country, a traitor ! Saratoga's Amoll a 
bloody field, and many others, came to their remem- 
brance, and with hearts aching with mingled pity 

and shame, they again, in consternation, asked, Is 
Arnold a traitor 7 He who had been among the 
first to widen the breach between the mother coun- 
try and the colonies — Arnold, with a maimed body, 
Avounded in fighting valiantly for liberty, a traitor ! 
From one end of the Union to the other, the news 
flew hke hghtning ; and even little children ran with 
trembhng steps and whitened lips, borrowing anxiety 
from their parents, lisping, Arnold a traitor ! 

20. As a warning to youth, we dwell on the 
painful story — doubly painful, because we cannot 
forget all that he bravely suffered in the early 
struggles of our nation. what is 

After the evacuation of Philadelphia by the Amoid 

' '' while in 

British, in 1778, Arnold was stationed there as l^^f^^' 



3S2 REVOLUTIONARY WAR, Part II. 

1 T^ SO "^ili^^^T governor; his wounds at Saratoga, for a 
time, prevented his engaging in active duty. While 
in Philadelphia, he selected a wife from one of the 
disaffected or tory families. His wife is supposed 
to have been instrumental in weakening his attach- 
ment to his country. He hired a splendid mansion, 
.furnished it in the most sumptuous style, and 
having expended most of his private fortune in the 

By what war, he found difficulty in meeting his expenses. 

did he Rather than retrench his extravaffances, he resort- 
procure ^ ' 

??.d"what ^d ^o dishonest means to procure money, and by a 
loL"^^ system of fraud and deceit succeeded in appropri- 

quence? . , ,. , . . * i i 

ating public treasure to his private use. At length- 
he was arraigned before a court martial, and rep- 
rimanded with all possible delicacy by Wash- 
ington, who was ever indulgent and forgiving to 
Arnold. — - 

In what 21. But he had determined to retrieve his for- 

infamous 

JJ'°;'^{J^'^j tunes, and gratify his passion for revenge under 

engage? ^j.Qjjgg inflicted, and in an evil hour, he consented 

to barter away the liberties for which he had once 

so nobly fought. He was too proud to become a 

deserter, and gold he moist have in some way. At 

last, he opened a correspondence with Sir Henry 

Clinton, and speedily after that, the infamous work 

proceeded. He had procured from Washington the 

Sof command of the fortress at West Point,* which, 

Point? for its strength, had been called the Gibraltar of 

America. It was more important than any other 

post, a9> it commanded the whole extent of country 

from New York to Canada, and secured a commu- 

* In the vaults of one of the forts Avas lodged the ammunition 
for its own defense, and the stock of powder for the whole army. 



Chap. V. ARNOLD TURNS TRAITOR. 333 

nication between the eastern and southern States, it go 
For 30,000 pounds sterling and the rank of briga- : 
dier-general in the British army, Arnold at last 
agreed to betray his country, and place West Point 
in Sir Henry ClintonVpossession. 

22. Taking advantage of the absence of the -with 
visfilant Washington, who had gone to Hartford to did'h^ 

^ o 7 & confer on 

meet Count Rochambeau, he resolved to finish t^^'^/"''" 
quickly the foul deed, and for that purpose held a 
conference with Major Andre,* the adjutant-gen- 
eral of the British army. All his plans were laid 
before Andre, and it was agreed to surrender the 
forts on the 25th. At a given signal from Arnold, 
the British transports were to sail up the Hudson, 
and land their troops, who, by manoeuvring, were 
to obtain possession of West Point. All American 
children are familiar with the story ; but perhaps 
they have not recognized the hand of Providence 
in thwarting the plains of Andre and Arnold. 

23. Sir Henry Clinton had enjoined it on Andre ""^ , 

'' J were An- 

not to leave the sloop-of-war Vulture, in which he X^s sin- 
came up, and it was his own determination not to fhwit- 

. ed? 

land ; but here, in the first place, his plans were 
thwarted. Again he was disappointed in his ina- 
bility to return by water, as the Vulture, on account 
of the firing from an American vessel, had moved 
down the river ; then in the stubborn refusal of 
the man who brought him ashore, to take him 
back the next day — his unaccountable determina- S? 
tion to change his route after parting with his fnterpo® 



sition of 



guide — his confusion and loss of presence of mind ^^,'^^1" 

. half? 

/ * Andre, in Philadelphia, was a warm friend of Arnold's wife, 
and was favorably treated by Arnold. 



334 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. Part II. 

ITSO when arrested on the road by the the three* Ameri- 
cans — are miraculous Hnks in a chain of providen- 
tial events, in which an interposing hand is plainly 
visible. 

24. Andre was examined 1*»efore a court martial 

What IS 

Andre'^s ^^ Tappau, aud, agreeably to the law and usage of 
execu"*^ nations, was condemned as a spy to suffer death. 

Washington and his officers would gladly have 
saved the life of the accomphshed and excellent 
Andre, but necessity required the rigorous enforce- 
ment of the punishment. He wrote a most pa- 
thetic appeal to Washington, tliat he might be 
shot, as a more honorable death ; but this could 
not be granted according to the strict rules of war. 

25. He was treated with the utmost kindness by 
Washington, who daily suppHed him with food 
from his own table ; and Andre acknowledged all 
the civilities he received, and throughout his trial 
manifested those elevated sensibilities which indi- 
cate greatness of soul. Andre was universally 
lamented both by the British and the Americans, 
and the spot of his sufferings and interment was 
consecrated by the tears of thousands. t 

* The captors of Andre were named John Paulding, David 
Williams, and Isaac Van Wart. Arnold's dispatches, plans, 
&c., found in Andre's boots, were evidences of his being a spy. 
He offered them his horse, watch, purse, and large rewards from 
the British government, if they would let him go. Although 
they were poor men, they were not to be bribed, and sTteadily re- 
fused — declaring that ten thousand guineas, or any other sum, 
would be no temptation. 

f Much has been said by friends and foes on the death of An- 
dre, while the death of the excellent Hak, under more painful cir- 
cumstances, seems almost forgotten even by his own comitrymen. 

In 1776, when the British, by the retreat of Washington, were 



here said 
of A 
nold: 



Cliap. V. DISGRACE OF ARNOLD. 335 

26. Arnold escaped detection and death; but his itso 
fate was more tragical than that of Andre. Doom- ^hat is 
ed to perpetual banishment from his native land, of^A 
branded as the only traitor in America, and scorn- 
ed by those to whom he bartered himself, he drag- 
ged out a miserable existence,, constantly stung 
with remorse ; and wherever he moved, he heard in 
burning words whispered, " Arnold^ the traitor /"* 

Sensible of the gracious interposition of Provi- why was 
dence, and grateful for another signal evidence of thanks- 

. . giving 

His superintending care, a day of public thanksgiv- eJj""'"*' 
ing was appointed on the 2d of November, through- yoI? 
out the State of New York. 

leftiin possession of Long Island, it became necessary to obtain 
information of the strength and future movements of the enemy. 
Hale, animated by an ardent love for his country, volunteered 
to undertake this hazardous enterprise. He passed in disguise 
to Long Island, examined every part of the British army, and 
obtained much valuable information. On his return he was 
apprehended, and carried before Sir Wiljiam Howe. Being 
convicted, he frankly acknowledged who he was and what were 
his views. The next morning he was executed in the most un- ' 
feeling manner. He desired the attendance of a clergyman ; 
this was refused. He asked for a Bible ; this was also denied. 
Letters which, on the morning of his execution, he wrote to his 
mother, were destroyed, " that the rebels should not know they 
had a man in their army who could die with so much firmness." 

His last words were — " I lament, I have but one life to lose for 
my country." 

%^o the memory of Andre magnificent monuments have been 
erected by his country, and the highest honors and liberal re- 
wards bestowed on his family. To the memory of Hale not a stone 
has been erected, nor an mscription to preserve his ashes from insult^ 

* The contempt that followed Arnold through life, is illus- 
trated on an occasion when Lord Surrey, since Duke of Norfolk, 
rising to speak in the House of Commons, perceiving Arnold 
in the gallery, sat down with precipitation, exclaiming, " I wil^^ 
not speak while that man," pointing to him, " is in the house." 



took 

! 

this time? 



336 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. pj,^.^ „^ 

1T80 27. Toward the close of the yar, Holland de- 
What clared heiself the open enemy of Great Britain 
e5fn""^ and a friend to America. This event revived the 
fume? drooping spirits of the Americans, and they began, 
in the darkened future, to see dawnings of a 
brighter day. Congress hstened to Washington's 
appeal for more troops, and orders were issued for 
enlistments during the war. It was resolved that 
all officers should have half-pay for life. 

The two armies went into winter-quarters in 
nearly the same position occupied by them in 1779. 



CHAPTER VL 

CAMPAIGN OF 1781. 



^^^^ j^ 1. At no period during the war were the prospects 
soii;"of of the Americans more gloomy than at the com- 

the 



pcnnsyi- mencemeut of 1781. On the first of January, 1,300 
jroopsin Pennsylvania troops, rendered desperate by their 
sufferings, and contending, that they were detained 
beyond their time of service, declared their inten- 
tion to march in a body to Philadelphia, and de- 
mand redress for all their grievances. They #^i- 
tinied, because their sufferings were intolerable, and 
to show that they were still firm friends to their 
country, they cheerfully returned to duty when their 
SenJ? grievances were only in part redressed. Sir Henry 

ofl^r " Clinton offered them remuneration, if they would 
Uiem? . . , . ^ , , ... ', , , . 

join his forces, but they mdignantly scorned his 



Chap. VI. ROBERT MORRIS. 337 

offeis, and delivered over the emissaries sent from nsi 
his camp to Wayne, who executed them as spies. 

2. A similar mutiny was undertaken by the New whatia 
Jersey troops, and as this state of things became u^emw 
alarming, Washington determined to punish them troops? 
severely, as a warning to others. Two of the ring- 
leaders were shot by the most guilty of the muti- 
neers. This was a most painful task ; being cul- ^^^^ 
prits themselves, they were greatly distressed, and ^1%^ 
when ordered to load, many of them shed tears. It cdT^' 
was important that the spirit of revolt should be 
effectually repressed, or the ruin of the army was 

inevitable. what ef- 

forts 

3. Congress now felt, that the sufferings of the ^|^| j^ 
troops were indeed pitiable, and unprecedented monV? 
efforts were made to raise money and supply the 
wants of the army. Taxes were imposed, and 
cheerfully acquiesced in. A commissioner was sent 

to Europe to negotiate loans of money, and a large 
amount of gold and silver was introduced by a bene- ' 
ficial trade with the Spanish West India Islands. 
During the year, the Bank of North America, the „,, . 

c> - -^ J 7 What IS 

oldest moneyed institution in the United States, was ^^^'Jgft 
established by a charter from Congress, under the ^^"'^"^■ 
supervision of Robert Morris. To this distinguished 
patriot the army was greatly indebted, for he used 
his own ample private fortune and his personal 
credit, without hesitation, to sustain the govern- ^^^gl^^' 
ment. • The issuing of paper money was now dis- was'^sub- 
continued, and the old continental bills ceased to cir- by the' 

' people ? 

culate. Two hundred millions of paper dollars 
were made redeemable by five millions of silver, "^ 
and this, with every other arrangement, was sub- 

15 



338 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. p^rt II. 

1781 initted to without murmur, in the hope of a happier 

future. 
Where 4. The British enlarged their plan of operations, 
British and hostilities rag-ed not only around their head- 

carrj- on " •' 

S?' cfiiarters, at New York, but in Georgia, North and 
South Carolina, Virginia, and Connecticut. In the 
latter places, the traitor, Arnold, became notorious 
for his plundering achievements as an incendiary 

"What i o J 

wasdone ^j^jj robbcr. Even in his native State, in the very 
"°^^^ spot of his boyhood's home, he rested not in his 
work of destruction. 

5. The British, encouraged by their good fortune 
y in the reduction of Savannah and Charleston, de- 
termined to advance into North Carolina. After 
Who the unfortunate battle of Camden, Congress thousrht 

succeed- • .^ 'to & 

ed Gates? proper to appomt Gen. Greene as successor to Gen. 
Gates. Washington spoke in high terms of com- 
mendation of Gen. Greene, but added, what can a 
general do, without men, without arms, without 
clothes, stores, or provisions ? The southern army 

What is was at this time reduced to two thousand men, more 

the suite than half of whom were militia. Although Gen. 

a™y? Greene's men were scantily clad, half-starved, and 
dispirited, destitute of arms and ammunition, the 
officers under his command were as brave men as 
ever followed a leader. Morgan, Lee, Marion, Suni^'' 
ter, and Col. Washington, formed a group to which 
the British army could furnish no parallel. 

Why was 6. In order to procure subsistence for his army, 

fid? as well as to distract and harass the enemy, Gen. 

^^- Greene was constrained to divide his army, by dis- 
patching Gen. Morgan to the western frontier of 
South Carolina. Morgan soon found employment. 



Chap. VI. BATTLE OP COWPENS. 33'9 

Lord Comvvallis had iiiade preparations for invad- i^gf 
ing North Carolina, and was unwilling to leave an ~ 
enemy in the rear. He therefore sent Tarleton, at ^hator. 
the head of 1,100 men to dislodge him, and ^'push flrht^n 
him to the utmost J^ They met atpowpens, on the '^''^""' 
17th January, and after one of the severest conflicts what is 

•^ ' said of 

witnessed in the war, Tarleton was defeated with W"^^/-^' 
the loss of 300 men, killed and wounded, besides penT? 
500 prisoners, his artillery, and baggage. The 
Americans had only 12 killed and 60 wounded. 
The defeat of Tarleton was mortifying to himself, the'dt" 
and a surprise to Cornwallis ; and the loss of the rarieton? 
light infantry crippled his movements during the 
campaign. 

The battle of Cowpens, it has been justly re- 
marked, proved, in the end, nearly as disastrous to 
CornwalUs as that of Bennington did to Burgoyne. 

7. Cornwallis now determined to take the field ^^'^l 
in person, and, by vigorous exertion, he expected was"^ 
soon to subdue the whole country south of Vir- conmai^ 
ginia. 

On the 19th of January, having "destroyed all his 
superfluous baggage and all the wagons, except a 
few for necessary purposes, he commenced his re- 
markable pursuit of Morgan, who had moved off to 
Virginia with his prisoners. He marched with such 
rapidity that he reached the Catawba the evening 
of the same day on which Morgan had crossed. 
CornwaUis, not doubting his ability to overtake the ^^I'^^^f, 
adversary, halted for the night ; but, before morn- bfe"ro' 
ing, the rain fell in torrents, the river was im- cateJ-'^^ 
passable without boats, and these, the Americans 
had carefully removed to the other side. 



340 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 



Part II. 



1^81 8. The swelling of the ri>ier was regarded by the 
pjo„,,,.jjg latter as a gracious interposition of God, as by it, the 
swelling enemy were delayed about two days. During this 
river^re- time, Gen. Greene hearing of Morgan's victory, and 
^m^ji. afterward of the rapid pursuit by CornwaUis, or- 
'^"^' dered the remainder of his troops to march to their 
relief, while he, himself, with only two or three at- 
tendants, after a ride of 150 miles, arrived in Mor- 
gan's camp on \he 31st of January. 
Describe 9. To Understand the ground over which this re- 
ground markable retreat was performed, it is necessary only 
thfa^re- ^^ gl^nce at a map. Three large rivers rise in the 
3e''^^ north-west parts of North and South Carolina, and 
flow in a southerly course. The mos{ southern is 
the Catawba. Greene and Morgan were now across 
the Catawba, approaching the Yadkin, which they 
passed on the evening of Feb. 2d, partly by fording, 
and partly by flats and boats, which were secured 
Scted' on the other side. Here, again, it happened as at 
sage at^ the Catawba — the swelling of the river presented a 
'^'"' barrier to obstruct the enemy. This second inter- 
position in their behalf inspired them with fresh en- 
thusiasm in that cause which seemed to be the pe- 
culiar care of God. 

10. CornwaUis still determined to pursue, but the 
Americans toiled on, day after day, and night after 
AmLd! night, without a murmur, although many of them 
were only allowed thiee hours' sleep out of twenty- " 
four, and but one meal a day. Pressing on through 
the wintry storm, most of them bare-foot, and with 
only one blanket for four men at night, drenched 
by the rains, and chilled by the water through which 



What is 
said of 
the toils 



cans 1 



OF GUILFORD COURT-HOUSE. 341 

they waded, they were obliged to dry tlieir clothes ngi 
by the heat of their own bodies. 

11. Cornwallis determined to pursue still, hoping why was 
to overtake the Americans before they reached Vir- iis""de^ 

• • 1 • • 1 T-^, 1 • 1 '^y^*^ ** 

guiia ; but, arrivmg at the Dan, which separates the Dan? 
North Carolina from Virginia, he found the Ameri- 
cans had already passed, and a third time his army 
was delayed ; the boats had been taken over and 
the river was unfordable. So clear an interposition th?s''re-^^ 
of Providence was this, that the whole country \y the 
regarded it as a special mark of favor to the Amer- ''''"^■ 
ican cause, and their hearts were cheered, as they 
thought of the future. So firm was their belief in 
this, that, although enduring severe sufferings dur- 
ing a retreat of more than 200 miles, not a single 
man deserted. 

12. As soon as Greene had rested, he recrossed 

the Dan with an army of about 4,500 men, and thelat^ 
on the 15th of March reached Guilford Court-house, cuiitord 

Court- 
It was a lonely spot, not another house being in ^""^^• 

sight, and a boundless forest on every side. On 

the day of Greene's arrival, Cornwallis attacked 

him. The battle was desperately fought for two 

hours, and all the advantages of victory were on what 

the side of the Americans. They lost about 400 loslon^ 

/ both 

in killed and wounded ; the British •nearly 600. «'<'es? 
Notwithstanding Cornwallis claimed the victory, 
he retreated, closely pursued by Gen. Greene. 

13. Cornwallis avoided a battle, and retreated to whither 
Wilmington, where, after remaining three weeks, waiSo? 
he left the State and proceeded to Petersburgh, in 
Virginia. 

Gen. Greene moved toward South Carolina, to 



342 REVOLUTIONAR"a»WAR. p^rt II. 

1781 drive the British from their posts. At Hobkirk's 
■What is Hill, near Camden, the Americans were attacked 
Sac^ by nine hundred men, under Lord Rawdon. In 
Hob- the beffinnino^ of the action, victory inclined tovs^ard 

kirk's & to , J 

"'"■ the Americans, but they were at last compelled to 

retreat. Each army sustained an equal loss. 
What 14. During April and May, several British posts 

in the fell in the hands of the Americans. Marion and 

hsnds of 

Ameri- Lce iuvestcd Fort Washington on the i5th of 
"'"^' April. Though provided with muskets and rifles 
only, they were successful, and one hundred and 
fourteen men surrendered, after a resistance of eight 
days. In rapid succession post after post surrender- 
ed to small bodies of troops, led on by Marion, 
Sumter, Lee, and Pickens. On the 3d of June, 
the British were confined to three posts, Ninety -six, 
Eutaw Springs, and Charleston. 
Sept- 8. 15. Lord Rawdon now resigned his command to 
w.^iatia ^^^' Stewart, and soon after returned to England. 
?he*^bat- In the beginning of September, Col. Stewart took 
tfw "* post at Eutaw Spring-s, about 50 miles from 

Springs 7 *^ ... 

Charleston. Greene, being joined by Marion, re- 
solved to attack them at once. The contest lasted 
nearly four hours, and great bravery was exhibited 
on both sides. The British were driven in confu- 
sion from the field, with the loss of eleven hundred 
men in killed, wounded, and prisoners. The Amer- 
icans lost over five hundred, of whom sixty were 
officers. 

16. The battle of Eutaw Springs was the last 
general action in South Carolina ; the British 
abandoning the open country, retired to Charles- 
ton. 



Chap. VI, CORNWALLIS AT YORKTOWN. iM3 

Cornwallis left North Carolina in April, and nsi 
arrived at Petersbiirgh, in Virginia, on the 20th of what is 
May. Having received several reinforcements, comwai 
and formed a junction with the forces under Arnold hisarmy? 
and PhiUips, he flattered himself he should soon „,^ 
subjugate this section of the country. Lafayette J^i^'jis- 
had been dispatched with a small detachment from to vir° 
the main army to watch the motions of the British. 
They were unable to hinder the enemy from de- 
stroying much valuable property.* 

17. Cornwallis soon after fortified himself at Sfthe 
Yorktown, on the south side of York river. Glou- "r "th" 
cester Point, opposite Yorktown, was occupied by viigfnia? 
Tarleton. The British force in Virginia, at this 
time, was about seven thousand men. 

Washington had made active preparations to-^"'^'^- 
form a junction with the French army, for the pur- ^^^^ ^jj,, 
pose of making a combined attack on New York. S^io*^ 
A letter was received from Count de Grasse, in-hispfan 

' ofattack- 

forming Washington that he was about to leave 'y^.-kt"' 
France with his whole fleet and about three thou- 
sand two hundred land troops, for the Chesapeake. 
Washington immediately resolved to proceed to^^^, .^^ 
Virginia. 

18. This movement met with the cordial co-oper- what 
ation of De Rochambeau, who w^as eascer for a accom- 
decisive action. They took with them the whole .S'J, t„ 
French army, and as many Americans as could be "■^'""'• 
spared from the posts on the Hudson. A show 



/ * It was estimated that in the course of the invasion of Corn- 
wallis, Arnold, Phillips, Leslie, and Collier, about 30,000 slaves 
were carried off from Virginia, and property destroyed to the 
amount of $15,000,000. 



344 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. Part II. 

1781 of an intention to attack New York was still main- 
tained, and so completely was Sir Henry Clinton 
deceived, that it was not until the whole army had 
crossed the Delaware, that he suspected the real 
object of the Americans. Clinton hoped still to 
draw off a part of their troops, and perhaps cause 
Washington to return. 

19. For this purpose he sent Arnold on a plun- 
dering expedition to Connecticut ; but this manoeu- 
vre did not effect its object. Washington and De 

„,^ . Rochambeau pressed forward with the utmost 

What in- _ f^ 

g^eni:^ alacrity. At Chester, their spirits were greatly 
themt't cheered, by the intelligence of the arrival of Admi- 
ral de Grasse, who, with a large fleet, blockaded 
When the Cbesapeake, and prevented the escape of the 
J^^X"^ British by water. On the 25th of September, the 
town? combined troops reached Lafayette's head-quarters 
at Williamsburgh,* and on the 30th they marched 
in a body to invest Yorktown and Gloucester. 
What 20. The allied army consisted of about sixteen 

was the '' 

oHhe' thousand troops. As the British force did not 
tr'Ss? amount to half that number, CornwaUis would 
probably have abandoned Yorktown before its 
investment, had he not confidently expected rein- 
forcements from Chnton. 
Q^j g A close siege was commenced, and carried on 
vigorously by the combined forces. During the 
S^of siege, which lasted 17 days, two redoubts were 
ofYor*if-^ stormed simultaneously — one by a party of light 
infantry, headed by Lafayette and Col. Hamilton ; 

♦ So complete was the discipline of this army, that during their 
march of 500 miles, scarcely an apple or peach was taken with- 
out the consent of the inhabitants. 



Chap. VI. SURRENDER OF CORNWALLIS. 345 

the other hy a detachment of French grenadiers, i^^gf 
under De Viornenil. 

21. Finding his situation a desperate one, and ^^at 
farther resistance of no avail, CornwalHs was comwai- 

. lis 

obhged to surrender his whole army, amounting to obii>ed 
seven thousand. The British lost nearly six hun- 
dred killed ; the Americans three hundred. On 
the 19th of October, the articles of capitulation q,^ ^^,^^^ 
were signed, and Gen. Lincoln was selected by dki^he 
Washington to receive the sword of Cornwallis, on dZT' 
the same terms which the latter had, eighteen 
months before, received Lincoln's submission, at 
Charleston. 

22. About 12 o'clock the combined army was Descnhe 
drawn up in two lines, extending more than a mile of^the" 

'■ ^ '^ capitula- 

in length, the Americans on the right side of .the road, *'''"• 
with Washington at their head, and the French on 
the 'left, headed by Count Rochambeau. A con- 
course of spectators assembled from the country, 
in numbers equal to the military. Every face 
beamed joy, but universal silence prevailed. About 
two o'clock the captive army advanced between 
the lines, with slow step, shouldered arms, and 
colors cased. Cornwallis, vexed and mortified, was 
unable to endure the humiliation of marching 
at the head of his garrison, and made Gen. O'Hara 
his substitute. Tarleton's troops, at Gloucester, 
surrendered at the same time to the command of 
the French general, De Choise. 

23. The amount of artillery and military stores what 

. amount 

captured was very considerable — 75 brass and 169 f'^^^ill' 
iron cannon, 7,794 muskets, 28 standards, and 2,113 t^ken? 
pounds sterling taken from the military chest. 

15* 



346 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. Part 1I« 

j^gj Lord Cornwallis and his officers, after their capitu- 

lation, received many civihties from Washington* 

and other general officers, for which they returned 

grateful acknowledgements. 

What 24. The surrender of Cornwallis sent a thrill of 

gained joy through the country, and was the most decisive 

derT"' event in our glorious war. The territory of the 

thirteen States was now restored to the jurisdiction 

of Congress, and the contest decided in favor of 

America. When intelligence of this brilliant suc- 

How was _ "-^ 

news re- ^^^^ ^^'^^ rccclved by Congress, the aged doorkeeper 

by 'con- fell down and expired through excess of joy. Gen. 
Washington ordered divine service to be performed 
in the different brigades of the army, and the Mem- 
bers of Congress marched in procession to church, 
and there publicly offered up thanksgiving to God 
for the signal success of the American arms. 

Jlfocla- 25. A proclamation was issued for religiously 
observing throughout the United States the 13th 
of December as a day of thanksgiving and prayer. 
The many instances in which God's interposing 

What hand was clearly seen were recounted. They pub- 

was nun- •' ./I 



mation 
was is' 
sued? 



pub 

firmed' licty affirmed that " it was God, whose voice com- 
mands the winds, the seas, and the seasons, who 
formed a junction at the same time between a for- 
midable fleet from the South, and an army rushing 
from the North like an impetuous torrent. Who 
but He could so combine the circumstances which 

* On one occasion, while in the presence of Gen. Washing- 
ton, Lord Cornwallis was standing with his head uncovered, 
his excellency said to him politely, " My lord, you had better be 
covered from the cold." His lordship, applying his hand to his 
head, replied, " /^ matters not, sir, what becomes of this head now." 



Chap. VI. CLOSE OF THE WAR. 347 

led to success? 'The unparalleled perseverance i^sfi 
of the armies of the United States through almost 
every possible suffering and discouragement, for the 
space of eight long years/ Washington declared to 
be ' little short of a startling miracle.' " It has been 
estimated that the loss of life during the war, in the 
United States armies, was not less than seventy 
thousand. The number who died on board the 
prison ships of the enemy cannot be calculated. 
No less than eleven, thousand died on board the 
Jersey prison-ship ! These facts, with the whole 
story of our American revolution, should be handed 
down to posterity, that they may know the high 
price their fathers paid for freedom. 

26. The people of Great Britain became clamor- whatdid 
ous for peace, and, at last, after much hesitation Britain 

' finally 

and discussion on the part of the British Govern- J^q'^^Jq^® 
ment, they concluded to abandon the attempt to 
subjugate the United States. 

Much firmness and wisdom were shown bv what is 

-' said of 

Messrs. Jay, Franklin. Adams, and Laurens, our ^isJjoJJ!" 
Commissioners, and through their negotiations, the TheT^ 
preliminary articles of peace were settled at Paris, where 

t^ J r J ^.^s the 

on the 30th of November, 1782, and in September, Jp^^^^^"^ 
1783, a formal treaty was signed. By this treaty "'^"^'^^ 
Great Britain acknowledged the independence and 1733. 
sovereignty of the United States. 

27. Thus the Americans obtained a high reward 
for their toils, and a sanctuary sacred to civil and 
religious liberty, was opened in the western hemi- 
sphere. 7^12 

The patriot army was now to be disbanded, ditionof 

' *' the army 

Once more, fathers and husbands were free to re- \l^f 



348 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 



Part II. 



1T83 t^i^^ ^^ their own fire-sides, but they must go in ex- 
treme poverty. Many of them had not received 
yyy^^^ SLuy compensatlon for five years. Anonymous let- 
wefe^ ters were circulated tending to inflame their minds 
promote and induce them to insist on a forcible redress of 

their (lis 

and'how gi'ievances. Washington soothed them by kind 
S words and promises, and in his fare\vell address 
changed? appealed to the nobler sentiments of the heart. On 
the 3d of November, still glowing with patriotism, 
they separated, resolved to endure all necessary 
When Pnvations. 

$f^^^^ 28. On the 25th November the British evacuated 
NTorS New York. 

When On the 4th of Dec, Washington, with a heart.fuU 
Wash- of love and gratitude, bade his officers adieu. It was a 
itJve of ^^^P^y affecting scene, and men, who had braved the 
cers°^" horrors of many a battle, now, as they approached 
Describe Washington, were melted to tears, and incapable 
scene, of Utterance. ^ ^ 

whatdid Washington then proceeded to Annapolis, the 
thfndo? ^^^^ ^^ Congress, to resign his commission as 

commander-in-chief of the armies of the United 

States. 
What 29. At the close of the war, the debt of the United 

was the ' 

^"1hi°" States was estimated at forty millions of dollars. 
arthe They were not able to pay the interest, and many 

close of . -^ , , 5" -^ , , , 

the war? mcurred great josses, (congress had not the power 
to provide means for discharging debts, incurred 
during the w^ar. During this disorganized state of 
the general government, attempts were made in 
some of the States to satisfy their creditors. The 
What of attempt of Massachusetts to effect this by levying a 
r^eSion) heavy tax produced an insurrection among the peo- 



Chap. VI. CONSTITUTION ADOPTED. 349 

pie, usually styled Shays' insurrection^ from the x'xst 
leader of the insurgents, Daniel Shays. 

30. In May,' 1787, deputies from each of the ^^^^ 
States, except Rhode Island, assembled at Philadel- where 
phia, for the purpose oi lormmg a new constitution, new con- 
After four months' dehberation, they presented the adopted? 
Constitution to the several States, and finally it was 
adopted. 

The blessinscs of civil and reliffious liberty are what 

O o ^ were 

guarantied to the people, and one of its chief excel- 1^^%^"^, 
lences is, that it contains a provision for future ^"'^'• 
amendments. The executive power is vested in a 
President and Vice President, and the legislative 
in a Senate and House of Representatives, all chosen 
by the people, 
v..-/ 31. The same Providence that srranted victory whatare 

^'^- ® -^ the con- 

to our fathers in the hour of battle, gave them wis- ^^^^';fgj 

dom, in a day of peace, to devise means of secur- 
ing to their children the independence they had 
won. May their posterity, to the latest generation, 
daily look to the Giver of every good and perfect gift 
for wisdom, that they may enjoy the blessings of a 
free and happy people, whose God is the Lord. 




GKN. GECRGK WASHINGTON. 

IT 89 PART HI. 

FROM THE FORMATION OF THE FEDERAL CONSTI- 
TUTION TO THE CLOSE OF THE HISTORY. 

CHAPTER I. 

ADMINISTRATION OF WASHINGTON, 

FROM 1789 TO 1797. 

HE name of George Washing- 
^^ ton calls up many thrilling 
emotions in the mind of every 
r^^ms^-W^ American citizen. He was the 

third son of Augustine Wash- 
ington, born on the 22d of Feb- 
ruary, 1732, near the banks of 
the Potomac, in Westmoreland county, Virginia. 



When 
and 
where 
was 
Wash- 
ington 
born) 




Cliap. I. GEORGE WASHINGTON. 351 

2. His .father, in 1730, married, for his second ij89 
wife, Miss Mary Ball, by whom he had four sons, what is 
George, John, Samuel, and Charles, and onedaugh- hi»^ tami- 
ter, Betty. His great grandfather, John Washing- 
ton, emigrated from the north of England about 

the year 1657, and settled on the place where Wash- 
ington was born. 

3. At the age often he lost his father. His mother J™j 
now became his sole guardian, and early instilled [g^^^h- 
into his mind those principles of reli"^ion and virtue hif ^^ 

. ^ , mother? 

which formed the solid basis of a character that 
has been the admiration of statesmen and philoso- 
phers wherever the name of the Ameiican republic 
is known. It was the teaching of that sainted 
mother, which prepared his mind for those scenes 
of strife and turmoil, through which he had to pass, 
and which made him a fit instrument in the hands 
of Piovidence, for sundering the chains of slavery, 
and guiding his country over the stormy sea of war 
into the harbor of peace and liberty. He was re- Forvvhat 

i •' was he 

markable, in his younger years, for his strict ad- bleT''*' 
herence to truth, and for the fond affection which 
he bore to his mother. 

4. Stimulated by the enthusiasm of military ge- what 
nius, at the early affe of fifteen, he had obtained a ed him 
midshipman's warrant to enter the English navy. the'Eng- 
His trunk was already in the boat, but as he went vyV''' 
to give his mother a parting kiss, he saw the tears 

roll down her cheeks ; he ordered his trunk back, 
and determined not to go. Four years after, he was what of 
appointed adjutant-general of Virginia, with the the'tlme** 
rank of maior. From that time, his historv is the election 

J ^ .- to the 

history of his country. General Washington's elec- ^^n!:,. 



352 



WASHINGTON S ADMINISTRATION. Parf III. 



IT 89 ^ion to the office of chief magistrate of the United 
States, was announced to him at Mount Vernon, on 
the 14th of April, 1789. 
When 5- On the 30th of April, he appeared before Con- 
where ffress, then assembled in the City of New York, 

was he -^ ' 

Jafe"dT ^^^ taking the required oath of office, was pro- 
claimed President of the United States. 
What did Ii^ ^^ impressive address to both Houses, he 
hfs Ifd-'" expressed a sense of his own unfitness for the high 
thatoc- office to which he had been called. He declined all 

casion ? 

pecuniary compensation for his presidential duties, 
and concluded by invoking the blessing of Jthat Al- 
mighty Being who rules over the universe, praying 
that He would consecrate to the liberties and hap- 
piness of the people of the United States, a govern- 
ment instituted by themselves, and that He vvould 

whatdid bless all engaged in its administration. 

gressdo^ 6. After the address, both Houses adjourned, and, 

address? with the President, attended diviuc worship. They 
felt that God had carried them through a long and 
arduous war, and to Him they must still look for 

In what support and protection. 

was Con- ' ^ ^ 

prfnci- Congress was principally employed, during its 
gaged^"" first session, in providing revenues for the exhausted 
thefirst^ treasury, and in establishing and arranging the 
diflferent public offices. Three executive depart 
Howma- nieuts wcrc organized to assist the president in 
ments Carrying out the plans of government. These were a 
ganized, sccrctarv of state, of the treasury, and of the war 

and who '' ' "^ ' 

pointed" department — the offices to be filled by appointment 
to each? ^^ i^i^g president. Thomas Jeffisrson was appointed 
Of what to the state department, Hamilton to the treasury, 

did the , -^y , 

judiciary and K-Uox to the war. 

aonsut ? 



CHap. I. FIRST CONGRESS. 353 

7. A national judiciary was constituted, consist- 1^89 
ing of a supreme court, having one chief justice 

and several associate judges. . John Jay was ap- 
pointed chief justice, and Edward Randolph attor- 
ney-general. How 
Several amendments to the Constitution were f^mend- ^ 

ments to 

proposed, and subsequently ratified by the States, SuS" 
making it acceptable to all. North Carolina and "''^*'''^'^- 
Rhode Island, shortly after, adopted the Constitu- 
tion, forming the thirteen original States. Howwaa 

8. To provide a revenue, duties were laid on the im- ""e pro- 
portation of merchandise and the tonnage of vessels. 

The second session of Cons^ress commenced Jan. 1790. 



What 



8th, 1790. Mr. Hamilton, Secretary of the Treas- 
ury, proposed that government should not only as- f-;,^f^^'^ 
sume its own foreign and domestic debts, amount- '"'^'^^''^ 



the com- 
mence- 



inff to more than fifty-four millions of dollars, but mem of 

11 1-1 Id the next 

also that whicl> several States contracted durinsr ^ip}!/'^ 

& or Coii- 

the war, estimated at twenty-five millions. ^'^''■ 

9. The plan of Mr. Hamilton was finally adopted, what 
To cancel these several debts, the proceeds of pub- atullZT 

. . ^ to cancel 

he lands, lymg m the western territory, were di- ^Jese^^^ 
rected to be appHed, and the president was authoi- '^®^^- 
ized to contract a loan of two millions of dollars. 

10. This measure laid the foundation for that what did 
unrivaled prospeiity, Avhich the United States en- measure 
joyed in subsequent years. 

On the 18th day of February, 1791, Vermont, by ''''■ 
consent of Congress, became one of the United ^vhen 
States, and on the 1st of June, in the succeeding vt^imont 
year, Kentucky, then part of Virginia, was also ad- [^fj'^^'f'J- 
mitted into the Union. vnVnf 

11. In this year, a bill for the establishment of a 



354 Washington's adminxstration. Part hi. 

J 1^91 national bank was introduced into Congress, which 
^j^jjj passed after a strong debate. The bank was to be 
t^ft*biii situated at Philadelphia, the capital stock to be ten 
thfsTyear. millious of dollars, two millions to -be subscribed for 

and what 

provu-"^ the benefit of the United States, and the residue by 
What" individuals. This year the first census of the in- 
po^puiJ-^ habitants of the United States was taken. They 
United amounted to 3,921,326. 

states at 
this 
time ? 



12. While matters of high importance were occu- 
whowas Pyiii^ ^h^ attention, and party strife was filhng the 



mspatch- cQ^j-^(,jig Qf Congress with agitation, an Indian war 
the in- broke out upon the north-western frontier. Pacific 

dians, ' 

how'mS overtures being rejected. General Harmer was dis- 
patched against the Indians with an army of 1400 

warthe men. Having burnt a number of Indian villages, 
he was finally defeated in two successive battles, 



What 
was tl 
result? 

1790. 

To near ChiUcothe, in Ohio. 

whom ' 

was the 
com- 
mand 
then 
given 



13. Additional troops were raised, and the com- 
mand of the whole given to Gen. St. Clair. With 
an'd^what 2,000 meu, he marched, in October, into the wil- 

success " ' ' ■ ' 

mee^^ dcmess. On the 3d of November, he was surprised 
'''J791 in camp, near the Miami, and defeated with great 
^ffe^ slauc^hter. leavinsr nearly 600 men dead on the field. 

this de- a / r> J 

feat^who 14 ^£jgj. ^^g ^jgfg^^ ^jf gj. Qiajj.^ Qg^ Wayuc 
mailed, was appointed to carry on the war. On the 20th 
succeld? ^^ August, 1794, with an army of 3,000 men, he 
met tbe Indians near the rapids of Maumee, and 
completely routed them, and laid waste their coun- 
try. In 1795 a treaty was completed at Grenville, 
. which gave peace to the inhabitants. 

In the autumn of 1792 Gen. Washington was re- 
elected president, and inducted into office in March, 
1793. Mr. Adams was re-elected vice president. . 



Chap. I. TREATY WITH ENGLAND. 355 

15. About this time the revolution, which had for 1^93 
some time convulsed France, resulted in the fall of 

the monarchy, and the establishment of a republi- 
government on its ruins. 

16. M. Genet, the minister of the new govern- when 
ment, arrived at Charleston in April of this year. French 

, , minister 

Our citizens, grateful for the kindness of his nation, ||;j';^^^ 
received him with the most extravagant marks of TeceiJld? 
public attachment. Flattered by these demonstra- 
tions of regard, he fitted out privateers from our he en-' 

=» ' ^ , deavor 

ports to cruise against the enemies of France, and ^'"^^'^ 
sought to embark the American people in the cause 
of his country, whatever might be the determina- 
tion of government. As he persisted in his en- 
deavors, in opposition to the remonstrances of the whywas 
administration, France, at the request of the presi- called? 
dent, annulled his powers, and he was succeeded 
in the folloAving year by M. Fauchet. 

17. About this time, a war was apprehended be- 1794. 
tween the United States and England. The Ameri- Y^^.l^7p. 
cans were accused of preventing loyalists from re- ed^'^be-'^" 
gaining possession of their estates, and the English Endand 
of making illegal seizures of American property at ^tX?* 
sea, and of holding possession of military posts, on ^'""^' 
the western frontiers. Mr. Jay was sent to Eng- ""^ 
land, where he concluded a treaty with the British Z^nl"^^ 
government. In the spring of 1795 he returned. Stiate 

18. His treaty, which was adopted by the gov- j^gg 
ernment, provided that the western posts be surren- June. 
dered to the United States ; compensation be made 
for illegal captures of American property, and Brit- 
ish creditors were to be secured the means of col- 
lecting debts, contracted prior to the revolution. 



What 
were the 



Part III. 

1T9T Treaties were also made with the western In- 
^vith dians, with Algiers, and with Spain. By the latter, 
other the Mississippi was made the western boundary, 

powers , . , . . . 

were biit a rio^ht to Its naviofation, and the use oi iNevv 

treaties o ^ ' 

fntor** Orleans, as a place of deposit, secured to the United 

States. 
wi'sTen 19. lu Juue, 1796, Tennessee was admitted into 
admitted the Uulon. As the period for a new election of 

into the J 

Union? president of the United States drew near, Washing- 
wJh' ' ton signified to the nation his determination of re- 

insto.i ^ 

j^l^i^';^^ tiring into private life. He longed for that repose 
fifeanV in the seclusion of Mount Yernon, far from the 
hisTem cares of public life, to which, for so many years, he 



had been a stranger. 



Ziitof^ 20. His farewell address, on his retirinar from the 



his fare 
■well ad 



presidential chair, breathed the warmest affection 
for his country. He besought them to frown indig- 
nantly on any attempt at the separation of the Union, 
to discard local attachments and sectional animosi- 
ties. The candidates for the office of president were 
Who John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. The result 

were the 

dat'e'i'for ^^^^ ^^^ clioice of Mr. Adams as president, and Mr. 

E,and Jefferson as vice president. Mr. Adams was inaug- 

de°tedf urated on the 4th of March, 1797. Washington 

retired to Mount Yernon, there to spend in rest and 

How ^ * 

teh-*^ quiet the remainder of his life ; but that life which 
livWter had been devoted to his country was drawing near 
ffom its close. Only two years of repose were allowed 

him, when he was taken away to that eternal rest 

prepared for the good. 

21. Riding out one day, on horseback, to visit his 
he°con-'^ farm, he was overtaken by a storm, which chilled 
du?aJi^} him through. A cold followed, which, settling in 



Chap. I. DEATH OP WASHINGTON. 357 

his throat, hurried him rapidly to the grave. The 1^99 
efforts of his physicians to arrest the disease were 
powerless, and it was soon evident to all, that his Dgg^Hbe 
hours were drawing to a close. His breathing g'esT" 
became laborious, yet he bore all with Christian 
resignation. " I die hard^'' said he, "6wi I am not 
afraid to die. I believed, from the first, that I could 



not survive it. My breath cannot last long." Some said of 



What is 
said of 
his last 

hours before his death, after repeated efforts to be ^°"'^- 
understood, he succeeded in expressing a desire 
that he might be permitted to die without interrup- 
tion. 

22. He sunk gradually away, and on the night 

of the ]4th of December, 1799, two days after his whatia 
attack, he ceased to breathe. Not in the delirium thenTan- 
of fight, upon the battle field, did his soul take its death? 
flight, but calmly departed amid the lamentations 
of a heart-broken people. 

23. Solemn ceremonies cittended the funeral, and 
thousands followed the slow procession, but the ^^at 
mourners were not all there— thei/ were scattered eirect ^ 
on every hill and along every valley of the land. 
Minute guns were fired, as his body was borne to 
the place of burial, and his old war-horse, saddled 
and bridled, walked riderless beside the coffin. 
That noble steed he could mount no more, and 
to that cold cheek, the loud-pealing cannon could 
never again send the blood, as of yore. His work 
was done, his fierce battles over, and, crowned with 
the noblest laurels ever worn by created brow, the 
more than kingly sleeper was laid in his last 
resting-place. The land was hung in crape, and 
one convulsive sob shook the heart of the nation. 



produced 
on the 



zm 



ADAMS ADMINISTRATION. 



Part HI. 



1799 

What did 
France 
do on 
hearing 
the intel- 
ligence ? 



What 
are the 
conclu- 
ding re- 
marks f 



No people ever mourned a leader so, and no leader 
was ever worthy such sorrow. Even the young 
republic of France, then wading in blood, put on 
crape, and imposing ceremonies were decreed in his 
honor by the young Napoleon. 

24. I would speak of his many noble acts, but his 
whole life was noble. Criticism was baffled, slan- 
der struck dumb, and even emulation rebuked in his 
presence. I would speak of his boyhood — but he 
was one of those great minds, that never had a boy- 
hood. Morally and intellectually, he was a man from 
his youth up. Can it be that Washington is dead ? 
No! 

" The woods are peopled with his fame ; 

His memory wraps the dusky mountain, 

His spirit sparkles o'er the fountain ; 

The meanest rill, the mightiest river. 

Roll mingling with his name /or ever !" 



CHAPTER 11. ^ 

ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION. 

FROM MARCH 4TH; 1797, TO MARCH 4TH, ISOl. 



When 
and 

where 
was Ad 
ams 
born ? 



1. John Adams was born at Q^uincy, in Massa- 
chusetts, on the 19th of October, 173.5. He was the 
son of John Adams, and the fourth in descent from 
Henry Adams,who fled from persecution in England.' 
What is In 1755, he graduated at Harvard College, and 

said of r 1 II • c 

hiseariy four vcars aftcrward commenced the practice of 

studies. 'Z * 

famiil'? law in Braintree, In 1764, he married the daugh- 



Chap. II. FRENCH RESOLUTIONS. 359 

ter of Rev. Wm. Smith, of Weymouth, by whom n^i 
he had four children, only one of whom, the Hon. 
John Gluincy Adams, is now living. He early 
manifested a strong interest in the welfare of the 
colonies. 

2. He was a delegate to the first general Con- Give the 
ffress, and was re-elected to the second. On the ^^-^^Kr 

o ■ in his life 

6th of May, 1776, he introduced a resolution into eiectSn 
Congress, which was in fact a declaration of inde- deiu.^^'* 
pendence. Near the close of the war he was ap- 
pointed minister to England, and succeeded in 
negotiating a peace. He then returned to his 
country, and was elected for two successive terms 
to the office of vice president, when he left that 
chair to fill the presidential. • 

3. Shortly after the commencement of Mr. J^^at^. l| 
Adams' administration, the French Directory, dis- arose 
pleased with the strict neutrality which this coun- France ^ 

^ ... about 

try had observed during its war with England, |{jj^g, 
and also on account of the treaty of peace, which 
had been recently entered into between England 
and the United States, adopted resolutions highly 
injurious to the American commerce, and refused 
to receive Mr. Pinckney, the American minister, un- 
til the United States complied with their demands. 

4. On the receipt of this intelligence, the Presi- what 

i ^ ' proria- 

dent issued his proclamation to convene Congress [j-j^jh" 
on the 15th of June. In his speech on that occa- mlke?"^ 
sion, he stated the unprovoked insult of the French ^^^^ . 
government, yet still manifested a desire for peace. Snto 
Three envoys were accordingly sent to France, but about a 

*' ® -^ ' peace? 

the French Directory refused to receive them, and „ ^ ., 

-^ ' How did 

ordered two of them to leave the country. LSr°' 



360 



ADAMS ADMINISTRATION. 



Part III. 



itoT ^' During these transactions, open war continued 
How was to t)e made by the cruisers of France on Ameri- 
reTaidld can commerce, the flag of the United States being 
France? cousidcred a sufficient justification for the capture 
^^3^- of any vessel over Avhich it waved. Congress at 
Confess length, after these repeated insults and injuries, 
fLoilf determined to place the country in a state of de- 
fense. General Washington was appointed com- 
mander-in-chief of the land forces, the capture of 
French vessels was authorized, and all treaties with 
France declared void. 

6. The French government witnessing these 
preparations for war, signified to the President their 
willingness to accommodate difficulties on reasona- 

1799. ble terms. Three envoys were accordingly ap- 
pointed, who proceeded to Paris ; but on their 
arrival there, they found the government in the 
hands of Bonaparte. With him they commenced 
negotiations, which terminated in a treaty of peace, 
Sept. 30th, 1800. 

7, On the 14th of December, Gen. Washington 
breathed his last at Mount Vernon, in Virginia. 
On the arrival of the news of his death at Phila- 

what delphia, Congress immediately adjourned. On the 
Con 'ISs following day it was resolved, " that the President be 
adopt? requested to write a letter of condolence to Mrs. 
Washington ; that a monument be erected by the 
United States, at the city of Washington, and that 
it be recommended to the citizens of the United 
States to wear crape on the left arm for thirty days." 
These resolutions passed unanimously, and the 
whole nation appeared in mourning. The funeral 
procession at the city of Washing^ton w^as g^rand 



When 
did 
Wash- 
ington 
die? 



Chap. II. ADAMS' BETIREMENT. 361 

and solemn, and the eloquent oration delivered by isoo 
Gen. Henry Lee, was listened to with the deepest 
interest. 

8. In the summer of 1800, the seat of government ^^°°- 
was removed to the city of Washington, and in the pSred 
same year the western portion of Georgia was"'^^°°' 
erected into a district government, and called the 
Mississippi Territory. 

9. On the return of the period for the presidential who 

' ^ were the 

election, the nation was divided into two great po- f^l^^-^j. 
litical parties, the republican and the federal. The a^'the"' 
federalists supported Mr. Adams and Gen. Pinck- efe'^ction? 
ney ; the republicans Mr. Jefferson and Col. Burr. 
After a warmly contested election, the republican 
candidates obtained a majority ; but, as Mr. Jeffer- 
son and Col. Burr received the same number of 
votes, the choice of president devolved on the 
House of Representatives. After thirty-five trials, ^j^^^^ 
during which the nation felt the most intense solici- "•^'^^^'^^ 
tude, Mr. Jefferson was chosen. Col. Burr, by a 
provision of the Constitution, became, of course, 
vice president. 

10. Mr. Adams retired from the arena of public ^jy^,^* 
life to the quiet of his home in Q^uincy. He lived J.fo^siiig 
long enough to see his son raised to the high- of Mr. 
est office in the gift of a free people, and during 
his administration died. The 4th of July, 1826, 
the day on which he breathed his last, completed 
half a century since he had set his name to that 
Declaration, which was to bring peace to his coun- 
try or a halter to his own neck. Only two, besides 
himself, of that band of heroes then lived. Being re- 
quested, a few days before his death, to g^ive a toast 

16 



history 
if Mr. 
(Vdama ? 



362 Jefferson's administration. Part hi. 

1801 foi" ^-he 4th of July, he gave " Independence for 

ever." 
Describe 11. As the moining was ushered in by the ring- 
death, ing of bells and the pealing of cannon, he was 
asked if he knew what day it was. " Oh yes," 
said he, "it is the glorious fourth of July. God 
bless it, God bless you all." His last words were, 
" Jefferson survives ;" and at about one o'clock his 
spirit took its flight. He was a man of strong 
powers of mind, and an ardent lover of liberty. In 
early life he devoted himself to the cause of his coun- 
try, and his declining years were cheered with a 
view of that country's happiness and prosperity. 



CHAPTER III. 

JEFFERSON'S ADMINISTRATION. 

FROM MARCH 4TH, ISOl, TO MARCH 4TH, 1809. 

1. Thomas Jefferson was born on the 2d day of 
April, 1743, at Shad well, in Albemarle county, Vir- 
ginia. He was educated at the college of William 
and Mary, in Williamsburgh. At the age of 
twenty-one he was admitted to the bar, and in the 
following year chosen a representative to the pro- 
vincial legislature. From early youth his mind was 

^fe^\y imbued with liberal political sentiments. On one 
ments? of his seals he had engraved, "Resistance to ty- 
rants is obedience to God." 

2. On the 21st of June, 1775, Mr. Jefferson took 



What is 



Chap. III. OFFICIAL CAREER OF JEFFERSON. 363 

his seat in the general Congress, then in session at isoi 
Philadelphia, and immediately became one of its what is 
most distinofuished members. In the followinar Jefler*^on 
summer, the various expressions of public sentiment eejierai 
showed, that the time had arrived for a final and fyys.^' 
entire separation from Great Britain. Mr. Adams 
and Mr. Jefferson were appointed to draft a declara- were ap- 

'■ ' pointed 

tion to that effect. The Declaration of Independ- ^° '^j.* 
ence, at the urgent solicitation of Mr. Adams, was InXpen- 
prepared by Mr. Jefferson, and so faultless was it 
found, when it came from his hands, that, with one whose 

' , ' ' declara- 

or two alterations, it was adopted on the 4th of adopted? 
July, 1776. 

3. In June, 1779, he was elected governor of Vir- Juthcof- 
sinia, and re-elected the next year. In 1783. he m^ Jef- 

^ ' , -^ ' ferson 

was again elected delegate to Congress from Yir- ^'^ ■ 
ginia, and, in the following year, appointed, in con- 
nection with Mr. Adams and Dr. Franklin, minister 
plenipotentiary, for the purpose of negotiating trea- 
ties. Returning to the United States in 1782, he 
was appointed secretary of state by General 3\^ash- 
ington. At the next presidential election, he was what 
elected vice president, and on the succeeding one, wa?^^ 

^, & 3 made in 

president of the United States. d^afoffi- 

4. At the commencement of Mr. Jeffersons's ad- ^^^s of 

govern- 

ministration, tlie principal offices of government {^e"com- 
were transferred to the republican party, and many ment^of 
unpopular acts, passed during the previous adminis- ^^^f^^' 
tration, repealed. when 

5. In 1802, the State of Ohio was admitted into I'fimiued 

-' in the 

the Union. Slavery was entirely excluded from ^"'°"- 
this extensive region. In the same year Spain her| '^ 
ceded Louisiana to France, and the Spanish intend- l°^i^'' 



•504* o cjT r rjsxi^tKJiM o .«. j_;iTiii-\ lo i rv^-i x i u^v . Part IIT 

1802 ^^^ announced to the United States that they^could 
no longer deposit their merchandise, <fec., in the 
port of New Orleans. Great was the excitement 
throughout the western States on this violation 
of a solemn engagement. They apprehended a de- 
struction of their commerce, and advised a resort to 
arms. But a more pacific course was adopted, and 
in 1803 the whole territory of Louisiana w^as pur- 
chased of France for $15,000,000. 

1804. ^ ' ' 

What 6. In 1804 Gen. Alexander Hamilton was killed 

sad event . 

rn*i804f m a duel, fought with Aaron Burr, Vice President 
Who of the United States. His death caused a deep sen- 
president sation among both his personal and political friends. 
pres^"^^ In the fall of .this year Jefferson was re-elected pres- 

dent? , . "^ ^ 

ident, and George Clinton, of New York, was chosen 
vice president. 
What is 7. Since 1801, a w^ar had existed between the 

said of ' 

Tripoli' United States and Tripoli, one of the Barbary pow- 
ers. These powers were nations of professed 
pirates, respecting no flag, capturing vessels of 
every nation, excepting those which paid to them 
an annual tribute. This tribute had long been 
paid by the United States, with many other nations, 
but, at length, the American republic determined to 
resist, and declared war against Tripoli. 

8. In 1803, a squadron, under Commodore Preble, 
was sent to the Mediterranean to bring the corsairs 
to submission. Capt. Bainbridge, in the Philadel- 
v^ere phia, joined Com. Preble ; but, in chasing a cruiser 
fhe Td into the harbor of Tripoli, grounded his vessel, and 
he and his crew were taken prisoners. The officers 
were treated as prisoners of war, but the crew 
chained and compelled to labor as slaves. 



Oct. 31 

Who 
vve.-( 
sent 
agai 
the ' 
politansi 

With 
what 
success ? 



Chap. III. WAR WITH TRIPOLI. 365 

9. The Tiipolitans, soon after, got the Philadel- iso* 
phia afloat, and warped her into the outer harbor. 
In this situation, Lieut, (afterward Commodore) igo4 
Decatur conceived the daring plan of setting her Feb. 3. 
on fire. Choosing twenty men, and a pilot, who what 
understood the Tripolitan language, he approached ^'""^W^:^^ 



ed by 
Lieut. 



the Philadelphia under the cover of evening, and, 
at the first onset, swept the deck of every Tripoli- 
tan, set the ship on fire, and, under a heavy can- 
nonade from the surrounding vessels and batteries, 
escaped out of the harbor without the loss of a sin- 
gle man. 

10. In consequence of the burning of the Phila- Howwaa 
delphia, the sufferings of the Americans in Tripoli g^/'^^J 
were greatly increased. To compel the Bashaw to tans?''" 
release them, the government authorized Capt. whowas 
William Eaton to unite with Hamet, an expelled {^fsSes 

on this 
matter? 



1805. 



bashaw, to assist him to regain his former station. 

11. With a small force, consisting of seamen 
from the American squadron, the followers of Ha- ^^hat 
met, and some Egyptian troops, Gen. Eaton and bj^Gen"^ 
Hamet, with incredible toil and suffering, passed and oth- 
the desert of Barca, and took possession of Derne, 

the capital of a large province belonging to Tripoli. 
The success of Eaton struck the reigning bashaw ^S 
with terror. Trembling for his fate, he offered dlfc'ed'by 
terms of peace, which were accepted by Mr. Lear, cess? 
the authorized agent of the United States. 

12. For a time. Col. Burr, notwithstanding his j^ ^^^^^ 
brilliant talents, had sunk into merited obscurity ; cy'waT' 
but his ever-scheming mind w^as constantly in ac- de°tected? 
tion, and, in 1806, he was detected in a conspiracy, isoe. 
the design of which was to form, in the valley of 



866 Jefferson's administration. Part hi. 

1806 the Mississippi, a separate government, of which 
' he should be the ruler, and New Orleans the capi- 

* tal ; or, to invade the rich Spanish provinces of 
Mexico, and found an empire there. In 1807, he 
was arrested and brought to trial on the charge of 
treason ; but for want of sufficient evidence was ac- 
quitted. 

"^^^^e 13. Europe at this time was convulsed with war. 

Kpe^ The nations, which had combined against the 

time? French republic, now trembled before the victorious 
troops of Bonaparte. France was a nation of sol- 
diers, and on land, the flight of her eagle was ever 
toward victory. But on the sea, the fleets of Eng- 
land rode in triumph. 

May 16. 14. England, anxious to injure as much as pos- 

How did sible France, her enemy and rival, declared several 

England ' -^ ^ ' 

to"fn?u?e poi'ts uiider her control to be in a state of block- 

France? ^^^ American vessels attempting to enter those 

ports were captured and condemned. France in 

Nov. 21. '^ , , ^ 

retaliation, declared the British islands in a state 
France''^ of blockade, and authorized the capture of neutral 
retaliate? yggggjg attempting to trade with those islands. Both 
What is of these decrees by which the commerce of the 
these de- United States suffered severely, were contrary to 

crees ? ^ ... 

the laws of nations, and highly insulting to neutral 
powers. 
Shthad 15. England, to man her numerous fleet, had 
forafong been compelled to resort to impressment. For a 
claimed? long time, she had claimed the authority of search- 
ing American vessels for British seamen, and in 
this way, frequently carried off American citizens, 
and compelled them to perform the degrading duties 
of the English navy. 



Cbap. III. COMMERCIAL DIFFICULTIES. 367 

16. In June, the frigate Chesapeake, while near the isoT 
coast of the United States, was fired on by an Eng- describe 
lish ship ; and three of her men killed and eighteen Sck oa 
wounded. Being unprepared for action, she struck chesa- 
her colors, and was then boarded and four of her 
men carried off on the pretence, that they were 
British seamen. It was afterwards proved, that 
three of them were American citizens. 
* 17. This insult to the nation was followed by a JSL 
proclamation of the President, prohibiting British was'is" 

, , . , ^ sued by 

ships of war from entering the harbors of the United denff"' 
States. He also summoned Congress to meet, and 
decide what measures should be adopted. Instruc- 
tions were given to the minister in London to 
demand satisfaction for the insult. 

18. In November, England issued a decree pro- c™wm 
hibiting all neutrals from trading with France or 'Sand? 
her allies, except on the deffradinsr conditions of 

1 n^. • /. 7, 1 • r Whatdid 

paymg a tax to her. This w^as followed m a few ^ona- 
weeks by a decree from Bonaparte, which declared '^^" '^°- 
that any neutral vessel, which should submit to be 
visited by a British ship, or pay the tribute on enter- 
ing any of her ports, should be confiscated. Thus 
almost every American ship sailing the ocean was 
liable to be captured. 

19. Congress, to retaliate on France and Eng- Dec. 22. 
land, decreed an embargo ; but this beinsr ruinous 

' ^ ' <=> How did 

to our commerce, was repealed in 1809 ; but com- ^^^f^^^^ 
mercial intercourse between France and England France 
interdicted. Thus was our nation standing on the land? 
verge of war, when Jefferson's administration closed. 
At the next election, James Madison was chosen Sse"^^ 
president, and George Clinton, vice president. S? 



368 



Part III. 



1807 20. Mr. Jefferson on the 3d of March, 1809, at 

the age of sixty-five closed his pohtical career, and 

What is retired to the quiet of his home at Monticello. Here 

Mr'^jef he hved until the time of his death, enjoying the 

last days? love and respect of his country. At the age of 

eighty-three years, on the 4th of July, 1826, he 

expired without a murmur or a groan. 

^^^^ It is a singular fact, that Adams and Jefferson, 

coined' two men, who had stood by their countiy in its 

took^ darkest hours, and side by side had placed their 

place? 

names upon the Declaration of Independence, should 

both have died upon that day. 
What is ^^* ^^^' Jefferson was gentlemanly in his appear- 
Mr'^jef- ence and intercourse with others. Possessed of 
fersoa? j^^^^j feeliugs and extensive information, he was a 

Goliah in debate, and the interesting and amusing 

companion in the social circle. 



CHAPTER IV. 

MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION, 

FROM MARCH 4TH, 1809, TO MARCH 4TH, 1817. 

1. James Madison was born on the 5th of March, 
1751, at the dwelling of his grandfather, in Port 
Royal, Virginia. In 1771, he completed his colle- 
giate education at Princeton College, New Jersey ; 
but continued a course of miscellaneous reading for 
a number of years afterward. After havini^ filled 
several important offices in his own State, in 1779 



Chap..XV. INDICATIONS OP WAR. 369 

he was elected to the Congress of the revolution, isio 
From this time to his election to the presidency, we 
find him in Congress and in the different conven- 
tions for drafting and amending the constitutions, 
where he had ample room for the display of his 
talents. 

2. Shortly after the commencement of Mr. Madi- 
son's administration, a treaty was concluded with 
the English minister, which engaged, on the part 
of Great Britain, that the orders in council, so far 
as they affected the United States, should be with- 
drawn. Acting on this arrangement, he imme- 
diately issued his proclamation renewing commer- 
cial intercourse with England; but when the British 
government disavowed the acts of her minister, 
the act of non-intercourse with England was re- 
vived. 

3. In 1810 France repealed her decrees, and on J™^gj 
the 2d of November the President issued a procla- pr'^tJce 
mation, allowing unrestrained intercourse with that '" 
nation. Great Britain, determined to persist in her 
hostile plans, had stationed men of war before the whatdid 

r ' Great, 

principal harbors in the United States, to impress ^ntain 
seamen from our merchant vessels, and insult our # 
national flag. 

4. In one instance, however, their insolence was 
deservedly punished. Com. Rogers, sailing in the igu. 
frigate President, met in the evening, near the coast May is. 
of Virginia, the British sloop of war Little Belt, and how 

^ ' 1 ' was their 

hailed her. A shot was the only reply. The fire }^^^; -^ 
was instantly returned by the Commodore, and st"aVe 
continued until the enemy's guns were silenced, ed? * 



370 Madison's administration. 



Part III. 



1811 Thirty-two of the EngUsh were killed, and the brig 
much shattered. 

5. While these events were indicating a war with 



What 
was 



transpi- England, others of no less interest were transpiring 
the west- on our western frontiers. Tecumseh, a celebra- 

ern iron- ' 

^'^'^ ■ ted chieftain of great eloquence, and 01-li-wa-chi-ca, 

his twin brother, generally called the Prophet, were 

What of stirring up the different Indian tribes against the 

seir^d whites. Tecumseh, by his eloquence, and thePro- 

hisbro- - , , . • 1 1 1 . 1 

ther? phet, by his cunnmg, at length obtamed complete 
ascendency over the minds of the Indians, and 
united them together in a firm compact against the 
United States. 
Who was ^- ^^^' Ha.rrison, of the Indian territory, was di- 
alainst rccted to march against them with a small force, 
dians?"" to reduce them to submission. On the 6t.h of No- 
vember, he encamped at Tippecanoe, where he met 
hisarJi"" messengers from Tecumseh, who agreed that hos- 
Tfppeca- tilities should be deferred until the following day. 
Harrison, however, fearing the treachery of the In- 
what dians, drew up his men in battle array, and ordered 

preca.u- ' '■ '' ' 

Siilon them to repose on their arms. The result proved 

^^^- that this precaution saved the troops from complete 

Describe* destruction ; for, just before the break of day, the 

dianat- savagcs, wlth their fearful war-whoop, rushed upon 

them. An obstinate and bloody fight ensued, which 

ended in the complete rout of the Indians, with 

great slaughter on both sides. 

7. Such was the state of our affairs, at this time, 
J™ with Great Britain, that provisions were made to 
Congress iucrcase the army to thirty-five thousand men, and 
make? to enlarge the navy. The President was author- 
ized to borrow eleven miUions of dollars, and the 



Cliap. V. WAR WITH ENGLAND. 371 

duties on imported goods were doubled. On the X812 
19th of July, ' 1812, war was formally declared 
against Great Britain. 



CHAPTER V. 

CAMPAIGN OF 1812. 

1. America was again to enter into a contest with 
that nation whose haughty power she had once f^^^^ 



What 19 



America 

humbled on the ocean-wave and on land, and with cL- ^ 

mence- 
ment of 
this wart 



strong hand had torn her liberties from its iron 
grasp. The situation of the country, at the com- 
mencement of the two wars, was entirely different. 
In 1775, the Americans were a warlike people, but 
their military ardor had cooled, and they had be-.. 
come enervated by a peace of forty years. But lit- ^^.^^^^^ 
tie difficulty, however, was experienced in rousing i^/^^: 
the people to action. Henry Dearborn, one of the ^^^iln 
surviving officers of the revolution, was appointed 
commander-in-chief of the American army. 

2. The plan of the campaign was to invade Can- ™he 
ada from Detroit and Michigan, and the armies from tSs"^L- 
these places were to be joined on the way, by the force 
stationed at Plattsburgh, and all to proceed to Mon- 
treal. The army destined for Detroit was placed 
under the command of Gen. Hull, the governor of 
Michigan territory. 

3. On the 12th of July, with 2,000 regulars and ^^^^ 
volunteers. Gen. Hull crossed the river at Detroit, Sona 
and encamped at Sandwich, with the object of huU?" 



'672 Madison's administration. 



Part III. 



1813 inarching on the British post at Maiden, and from 
^jjjjt thence proceeding to Montreal. On the same day, 
raatiun he addressed a proclamation to tlie Canadians, as- 
Bueti! suring them, in a lofty tone, that his force was suf- 
ficient to break down all opposition, and offered to 
them the blessings of civil and religious liberty. 
,„^ . But Hull was more fond of words than of action, 

What IS ' 

Hulif ^J^d instead of pressing on, and striking a powerful 
blow, w^iich would have insured him success, he 
wasted nearly a month, in ruinous delay. 

What in- 4. In the mean time. Maiden had been reinforced, 

tionwas and, at this critical moment, information was re- 
brought ' ' 

to Hull? ceived, that Mackinaw, an American post above 
Detroit, had surrendered to the British and Indians, 
who were rushing down the river in nimibeis suffi- 
what cient to crush the American forces. Gen. Hull, 
mentdid paulc-struck, in spite of the entreaties of his officers, 
^^^'^- and the indignation of his troops, hastened back to 

Detroit, 
^jj^, 5. Gen. Brock, the commander at Maiden, pursued 

himT^ him, with a large force, composed of mihtiaand In- 
dians, and stationed himself opposite Detroit. On 
the 15lh of August, he sent a summons to Hull to 
sum- surrender, threatening him, that if he did not, he 

mons did ' . 

fJnd^o would let loose the Indians upon Detroit. On the 
following morning Brock crossed to Spring Wells, 
and moved toward Detroit. 

What 6. While the American troops, drawn up in or- 

shameful , ^ , , . . ' , . 

curred^at " battle, ui uumbers superior to the combined 

Detroit? force of the British and Indians, w'ere anxiously 

waiting to conuiience the fight, they were suddenly 

ordered vinthin the fort, and a white flag hung from 

the walls, in token of submission. This shameful 



Clinp. V. 



NAVAL VICTORIES. 373 



surrender, in which an important post and a vast isuj 
amount of ammunition passed into the hands of the ~ 
Enghsh, excited the rage and mortification not only wJs°™i3 
of the officers and troops, but of the whole nation, der cUs- 

. pleasing? 

Hull was afterward tried before a court martial, con- 
victed of cowardice, and sentenced to death. On ac- ^^^^Y^e 
count of his age, he was pardoned by the Presi- Huirs*'^ 
dent, but his name was stricken from the rolls of the 
army. 

7. On the I3th of October, Gen. Van Rensselaer, what 

-' ' was done 

at the head of a part of the forces stationed at Lew- vai?^"' 
iston, composed principally of New-York militia, Siaer on 
crossed the river and made an attack upon Queens- pt octo- 

^ ber ? 

town. During the battle, Van Rensselaer was 
wounded, and Gen. Brock killed. The English 
receiving a reinforcement of one thousand men, ^^^ 
while a portion of the militia on the American vict'orJ'?'' 
shore refused to .cross, the republican army was 
obliged to surrender. While our army was suf- S^of 

r • r ^ . , . tho suc- 

lermg irom these many successive disasters, on [^ss of 



the 

Ameri- 
cans on 
the 

^ 



the ocean, the American flag, after many a well- 
contested fight waved in triumph over the red flag ocean 
of England. 

8. On the 19th of August, three days after the 
shameful surrender of Detroit, a series of splendid 
naval victories was commenced by Capt. Isaac 
Hull, of the United States frigate Constitution, who, ^^jf^^,f 
after an obstinate fight, captured the British frigate ''''='"'^- 
Guerriere, commanded by Capt. Dacres. The loss 
of the Constitution was seven killed, and seven 
wounded ; that of the Guerriere was fifteen killed 
and sixty-three wounded ; among the latter was 
Capt. Dacres. On the 13th of August, the United 



374 Madison's administration. Part hi. 

1812 States frigate Essex, Capt. Porter, captured the 
QfPoT- British sloop of war Alert after an action of only 
toj?''"^' eight minutes. 



of Jones 
victor}' 
over the 



9. On the 18th of October, the sloop of war, 
Wasp, Capt. Jones, after one of the most bloody 

Frolic ? conflicts recorded in naval history, captured the brig 
Frolic, of twenty-two guns. The contest lasted 
forty-three minutes. The loss on board the Frolic 
was thirty killed, and fifty wounded ; on board the 
Wasp five were killed, and five slightly wounded. 
On the same day, they were both captured by a 
British frigate. This splendid victory was followed 
on the 25th of October, by one no less glorious and 

tur's^vic- decisive. Com. Decatur, of the frigate United 

tory over 

the^Ma- States, of forty-four guus, capturcd the Macedonian, 

man? mouutiug forty-uiuc guns, and manned with three 

hundred men. The action continued an hour and 

a half. The Macedonian lost thhty-six killed, and 

sixty-eight w^ounded ; on board the United States, 

seven were killed and five wounded. 

^c^tory ^^- December 29th, the fortunate Constitution, 

bridge'" ^hen commanded by Com. Bainbridge, captured the 

^^^"' Java, a British frigate, carrying forty nine guns, 

and four hundred men. The action was fought oflT 

St. Salvador, and lasted three hours. The Java 

lost 60 killed, and 120 wounded ; the Constitution 

9 killed, and 25 wounded. 

11. Beside, this series of victories achieved by our 
navy, the American privateers had taken, during 



What is 
said of 
the 

ca'?p"i- the year, 250 British vessels, and 3,000 prisoners. 



vateers ? 



England had found an enemy which had ably con- 
tested its supremacy as mistress " of the sea," and 
in that contest come off victorious. 



Chap. VI. CAMPAIGN OF 1813. 376 

1813 

CHAPTER VI. 

CAMPAIGN OF 1813. 



the ope- 

ions 
of this 



1. The operations of this campaign extended J^Jfi/' 
along the whole northern frontier of the United SSt 
States. The army of the West was stationed at cam 
the head of Lake Erie, and commanded by Gen. ^i,ere 
Harrison ; that of the centre under Gen. Dearborn, Trmy of 
between the -lakes Ontario and Erie ; and that of weststa- 

' tioned^ 

the North under Gen. Hampton, on the shores of ^^ , 

r ' Of the 

Lake Champlain. Colonels Proctor and Vincent Hf'^ 
commanded the British forces in Upper Canada, and "°'' 
Gen. Sheafie those in the Lower Provinces. 

2. The head-quarters of Gen. Harrison, at the what 
commencement of the winter, were at Frankhnton, Pj^m of 

■ ' Harrison? 

in Ohio. His plan was to concentrat,e a considera- 
ble force at the Rapids, whence he designed to 
make an attack upon Detroit, which was still in who did 
possession of the British. Gen. Winchester, with patch^in 

t~\r\r\ 111 1 • 1 r advance? 

800 men, was detached to proceed m advance oi 
the main army. On the 10th of January, he arrived ^YifJ^^'"- 
at the Rapids, when he received intelligence that a fi'i^'l^ 
body of British and Indians was about to concen- Lf ''the 

-n I 1 • -r. • • I Rapids, 

trate at French town, on the river Raisin, a number ^?f j;j^^* 
of miles in advance, at the urgent sohcitation of the *^° ' 
inhabitants, dispatched Cols. Lewis and Allen, with 
a force of between six and seven hundred men to wnatoc- 
their assistance. On their arrival, they attacked on"iheir 

^ "^ . , arrival i 

the enemy, and defeated them, and were joined the 
next day by Gen. Winchester. 



curred 
on the 
morning 



376" Madison's administration. Pai*t hi. 

1813 3. On tlie morning of the 22d, he was surprised 
whatoc- by the forces of the British and Indians under Col 

Proctor. Gen. Wincliester and some of his troops 
^.*^)he were taken prisoners, and conveyed to the EngUsh 
What re- camp, wheii, being terrified with threats of an In- 
chister ^^^^^ massacre, he sent to Madison, requesting him 
Madison? to Surrender. 

What did ^' Pi'octor accompanied the flag and made the 
s51"°" demand, but Madison replied that he would not 

surrender unless the safety of his men were guar- 

proctor antied. Proctor demanded, " Do you mean to die- 
say! _ 

tate to me?" "JNo," was the reply, [^ I intend to 
^'t^lhe dictate for myself ; and we prefer selling our lives 
MaSson? as dearly as possible, rather than be massacred in 

cold blood." The surrender was made on condi- 
conditjon tion that officer& should retain their side-arms, pri- 

was the ' ^ 

sTuien- y^^g property be respected, and the prisoners be pro- 

"'"^'' tected by a guard. 

Were 5. Thesc Stipulations Proctor disres^arded, and 

these . . 

condi- handed the prisoners over to the Indians who butch- 

tions re- • 

garded? ^j.gj them in cold blood. Some of their bodies were 
thrown into the flames, and others, shockingly man- 
gled, left exposed in the streets. These awful deeds 
were continued a number of days. Proctor, the 

What is prime mover in this scene of butchery, which would 

said of f^ - ' 

promo-'' ^^ave done honor to the fiends, instead of being 
^°"' hung by order of his government, received the rank 
of major-general in the army. 

6. Gen. Harrison, on receiving the news of this 



What DC 
curred 



^j melancholy defeat, was on his way toFrenchtown, 

Me7g8? but fearing an attack from Proctor, he halted at the 

rapids of the Maumee, and erected Fort Meigs. 

Here he was besieged by Proctor, with a force of 



Chap. VI. DEATH OF PIKE. 377 

more than 2,000 British and Indians. But Gen. 1813 
Clay coming to his assistance, with 1,200 Kentuck- 
ians, Proctor was defeated, and obliged to raise tlie ^vhat 
siege. Col. Dudley and his party, however, fell fateS^ 
into an ambuscade, and were slaughtered by the }^.y "^"d 
Indians under Tecumseh. The Indians had been ^^^ 
deceived by Tecumseh and his brother, the Prophet, 
and after this defeat, deserted their alhes. The 
fort was left under the command of Gen. Clay. 

7. Proctor, shortly after, reappeared before the Piocno/ 
fort, with 4,000 men, but finding it strongly garri- J,';^J^,^^'^ 
soned, he drew off his troops, and proceeded against f'^J" ''^® 
Fort Stephenson, on the Sandusky river. Major whither 
Crogan, a youth of tvventy-one, defended the fort P'^'^'^^ed ? 
with 150. Proctor was defeated, with the loss of SSi^ai 
150 killed and wounded. About the middle of April, pheLonJ 
Gen. Pike, by order of General Dearborn, embarked what 

, ' move- 

at Sackett's Harbor with 1,700, and were conveyed ^J'.^f 
across the lake on board a flotilla, commanded by c^n.^^^ 
Com. Chauncey, to the attack of York, the capital 
of Upper Canada. 

8. On the 27th of April, he landed, and having 
formed his men, pressed on toward the enemy's jyj-^ 
fortification, driving back a superior force. He had SckT^*^ 
already carried the first battery by assault, and was 
pressing on toward the main works, when an ex- 
plosion of the enemy's magazine took place, which 
killed more than 100 Americans, among whom was 

the lamented Pike. On the fall of their leader, the teiii 

frencc 

troops halted for a moment, but soon pressed on, b,on-ht 
and carried the place by storm. As the shout of %\^^^ 
victory arose on the air, and was wafted to the dy- 
ing Pike, a smile of triumph played around his lips^ 



O/ O aLAXJia^jiy is Auirixi^i i^j ± xva j. iui\. Part III* 

1^13 and as the flag which had waved over the fort, was 

carried to him, and placed under his head, he expired. 

What 9- The troops now returned to Sackett's Harbor, 

ment' from whcuce they proceeded to Fort George, at the 

Hh^?-^ head of the lake, which they took, after a warm en- 

'"'ea' gagement. The enemy proceeded to the heights, 

near Burlington Bay, where they were joined by 

detachments from Chippewa and Fort Erie. 

10. Generals Winder and Chandler were dis- 
patched in pursuit. They encamped on the 5th of 
June in the vicinity of the enemy. Here they were 
attacked by the English, in the middle of the night, 
June 6. with great fury. Having succeeded in taking pris- 
oners Generals Chandler and Winder, with a large 
number of the troops, they made a precipitate re- 
treat, 
jj^^ 11. On the 29th of May, 1,000 British troops 

forclwas landed from the squadron, and proceeded to attack 
ii^S- Sackett's Harbor. The force in this place amounted 
bor? to about 1,000 men, and was commanded by Gen. 
Brown, of the New York militia. As the enemy 
approached the breastworks, the militia, seized with 
whatoc- ^ sudden panic, broke their ranks and fled. Col. 
St Mills, in attempting to rally them, received a mor- 
tal wound. The regulars slowly retired, and, tak- 
ing possession of the different houses, poured from 
their doors and windows so deadly a fire upon the 
enemy that they paused. At this moment. Gen. 
Brown, who had succeeded in rallying the militia, 
marched rapidly down toward the landing. The 
Enghsh commander, believing it was his intention 
to cut off his retreat, embarked his troops so has- 
tily as to leave the wounded upon the field. 



Chap. VI. 



CAPT." LAWRENCE. 379 



mean 
time 
wliat 
v\:is 
tr^uis- 
piriii^ on 
the 
ocean 1 



12. While these events were transpiring on our 1813 
northern arfd north-western frontiers, a terrible j,^ ^^^^ 
warfare was being carried on upon the ocean. 
There, as well as on land, England, by her cold- 
blooded cruelty, stamped her character with an 
eternal blot of infamy. A squadron from the Eng- 
lish navy, stationed in Delaware Bay, captured and 
burned every merchant vessel which came within 

its reach, and bombarded the village of Lewiston. 

13. Another squadron, commanded by Admiral what 
Cockburn, was stationed in Chesapeake Bay. The events 
troops made frequent excursions into the country, p^^'^®- 
slaughteiing the cattle, and insulting the inliabit- 
ants. French town, Havre de Grace, Frederick- 
town, and Georgetown, were sacked and burned. A 
strict blockade was kept up at New York. The 
•American frigates United States and Macedonian 
escaped from port, but were chased into New Lon- 
don Harbor, where they were blockaded for a num- 
ber of months. 

14. In the mean time many severe and bloody what is 
conflicts had been fought upon the ocean. On the [\f J^t 
4th*of February, the Hornet, commanded by Capt. [^e^'^Hor- 
Lawrence, met the British brig Peacock, of about Peacock? 
equal force. The conflict lasted fifteen minutes, 
when the Peacock struck her colors, and displayed 

a flag of distress. On his return to the United 
States, Capt. Lawrence, for his bravery and suc- 
cess, was promoted to the command of the frigate 
Chesapeake, then lying at Boston. what in- 

15. On being informed that the British frigate [i^'^t!^'*^ 
Shannon had been cruising for a number of weeks ItZe re- 
ofl' the harbor, inviting an attack, stimulated by hirfe-"" 



turn? 



ooU i>iii.jjioc»ix cs Auivj ii\ lo 1 J.VA A nji\. Part III. 

181.1 ^oiraer success, he determined to meet it. With a 
Describe ci'ew eiiUsted for the occasion, he sailed out of the 



the bat- 
tle be- 



harbor. At half past five on the same evening, they 
the ' met, and engaged with great fury. 
l^f-^ 16. By the first broadside, the saihng-master of 

,^on"" the Chesapeake was killed, and Capt. Lawrence 
and three lieutenants severely wounded. The se- 
cond and third broadsides so cut up her rigging, 
that her quarter fell on the Shannon's anchor. 
The enemy now sprung on the deck in great 
Describe Humbers. Captain Lawrence, in the act of sum- 
Law- moning the boarders, received his mortal wound. 
iLTmo- When carried below, he was asked if the colors 
should be struck. He replied, " No, they shall wave 
while I live." With the most intense eagerness, he 
listened to the combat, which was carried on upon 
the deck of his ship, and hoped for victory. When 
he knew that the American flag had been lowered, 
and that he was conquered, reason fled its throne. 
Whenever able to speak, he would exclaim in the 
most beseeching tones, " Don't give up the ship." 
He only survived his defeat about four days. 
t^e'^na-''^ 17. Lawrcuce, by his bravery, his previous vic- 
idVme tory, and magnanimous conduct, had become the 
h'is*'* ° idol of the nation, and his death was lamented with 

death ? 

sorrow and with tears. The Shannon lost, during 
witi'^the ^^^^ engagement, 24 killed, and 56 wounded ; the 
bo?h"" Chesapeake 48 killed, and nearly 100 wounded. 

The honors wiiich were heaped on the commander 

How was 
this vic- 



of the Shannon for his victory, by the British gov- 
Sed ernment, showed the pride with which they viewed 
English? a victory over a frigate, in a navy which had so often 

humbled their power. 



hat 
was the 
^ next en- 
counter 



hat en- 
counter 



Chap. VI. BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 381 

18. The next encounter at sea was between the is 13 
American brig Argus, of 18 guns, and the British ^^- 
brig Pelican, of 20 guns, in which the latter wa 
victorious. On the 5th of September following, the at'ea 
British brier Boxer surrendered to the Enterprise, wh 

S i " cou 

commanded by Lieut. Barrows. The fact that both jtjj'op 
ships were of equal force, was a strong fact in favor ^''^^ " 
of the superiority of American seamen. Both of what 
the commanders were killed, and interred beside "o^'ced 

' in these 

each other at Portland. ^^"'^'• 

19. While the navy was winning glorious lau- what is 
rels on the ocean, through the exertions of Cora. thL 

, squadron 

Perr)^, a squadron had been fitted out on Lake J^^^akf 
Erie. It consisted of nine vessels, carrying fifty- '^"^• 
four guns. The English squadron, which had been 
built and equipped, under direction of Commodore 
Barclay, consisted of six ships, carrying sixty-three 
guns. 

20. On the 10th of September, Com. Perry, forming 

the line of battle, hoisted his fighting flag, on which jy^f^he 
were inscribed the dying words of the gallant Law- befiS 
rence, "Don't give up the ship." At 12, the ene- 
my's flag-ship, Queen Charlotte, opened a heavy the com- 
fire on the Lawrence, the flag-ship of Perry. The j^^"^**^ 
wind was so light that non3 of the other ships could 
come to the assistance of the Lawrence, and for 
two and a half hours she sustained the fire of the 
Detroit, Queen Charlotte, and Hunter. 

21. Perry was as cool as if on ordinary duty, ^^^^^-^ 
working with his own hands at the guns. But by p^jr^^yf 
this time, the brig had become unmanageable, and 

the crew, with the exception of four or five, lay 
around the bloody deck, either dead or dying^. 



382 



Part III. 



1813 While thus surrounded, with death and destruction 

pouring in upon him, Perry, taking his fighting flag 

Describe uudcr his arm, and waving his sword, left his now 

fillhT disabled ship, and proceeded in an open boat to the 

^^'^' Niagara. The combat now raged with redoubled 

fury. Broadside after broadside was poured into 

the English ships, Avith unerring aim. Soon one 

the close of the eucmy's vessels surrendered ; and still Perry 

contest, followed up his victory, until his flag waved in tri- 

■v^hat umph over all. At 4 o'clock, the victorious and 

did^perry fortuuate Pcrry sent to General Harrison, at Fort 

Harrison? Mcigs, this uiodest aud laconic epistle, " We have 

met the enemy, and they are ours." 

What is 22. The news of this brilliant victory was re- 
said of -^ 
J5J^.J'°" ceived with great joy by the nation. It had been 

gained over a superior force, and opened a passage 
to the recovery of all that had been lost by the sur- 
render of Hull. Not only Perry, but all under his 
command, gained laurels of which they might well 
be proud. 

Where 23. Gcu. Harrlsou, who had been joined by Gov. 

Harrison Sclbv, of Keutuckv, with 4,000 men, as soon as he 

proceed i ./ ' ''' ' ^ ' 

had received intelligence of the victory, hastened to 
the lake, and embarked for Maiden ; but, to his sur- 
he find' prise, he found that fortress and the public store- 
rivaiand houscs buriied. The enemy were pursued by Gen. 
he do? Harrison, who, on the 29th, took possession of De- 
troit, and then pressed on after the retreating foe. 
Where 24. Ou the 5th of October, he came up with 
come^up them, about 80 miles from Detroit, at a Moravian 
enemy? villasfe, ou the river Thames. His force beinsr 
Describe gi'^atly supcrlor, victory was speedily gained. The 
test.*^""" mounted men charged impetuously through the 



Clxap. VI. DEATH OF TECUMSEH. 383 

enemy's ranks, then formed, and charged in their isia 
rear. The British threw down their arms and fled. 
The Indians behaved better, and fought with the 
fiercest desperation. Tecumseh pressed eagerly 
into the midst of the contest, urging on his men, what is 
and throwing his tomahawk with the greatest fury, thedekth 
Suddenly the voice of command was silenced, for cumseh? 
the haughty chief had fallen. The Indians now ^^^at 
fled, leaving 33 dead on the field. Nearly 600, r'efuft 
being almost the whole of Proctor's forces, were tie ? 
taken prisoners. 

25. Leaving Gen. Cass in command of Detroit, S^of 
Harrison, with a part of his forces, proceeded, ac- Sfe^" 
cordinff to instructions, to Buffalo, to ioin the Amer- ments of 

^ ' 5 J Harrison? 

ican army, on the Niagara frontier. But there 
having been a sufficient number of general officers 
assigned to that army he returned to his home. 

26. The fall of Tecumseh was deeply felt by the S'Vf 
Indian tribes. Possessed of a powerful mind, and seh"^™" 
the soul of a hero, had his lot been cast in a differ- 
ent state of society, he would have shone, not only 

r A 1- • ' I 1 Whatdid 

as a warrior, but one of the most distmguished ora- these 
tors and statesmen. The result of the operations prepare 
of the north-west, and victory on Lake Erie, pre- for?^^ 
pared the way to attempt a more effectual invasion 
of Canada. 

27. Gen. Dearborn having been compelled to ^^ ^.^ 
withdraw from active service, on account of sick- Sn'^om. 
ness, the command of the army of the centre, con- Se"army 
sisting of 7,000 men, had been given to General centre ? 
Wilkinson. It was his plan to descend the St. ^^^^^ 
Lawrence, and attack Montreal. Owing to the ^j^^^'* 
difficulty of concentrating his troops, it was in tlie 



384 



MADISON S ADMINISTRATION. p^^.^ uj. 



18 13 early part of November, before he commenced oper- 
Describe atloDs. He then proceeded to St. Regis, when, 
ations'. finding tlie reinforcements which he expected from 
General Hampton, who commanded the troops at 
Plattsburgh, had failed him, he abandoned the pro- 
who ject of attacking Montreal, and encamped for the 
c^- winter at French Mills. Gen. Hampton soon after 

mand of , , . ^ 

C?" resigned his commission in the army, and the com- 
mand of the post at Plattsburgh was given to Gen. 
Izard. 

What is 28. Creek War. The Creek and Seminole 

Baid of 

Creeks Indians, looking upon the whites as the robbers of 
inoiitf' their nation, and feeling toward them the most bit- 
ter hatred, made use of every means in their power 
manner to torment and annov them. Without declarinar 

oi war- ■' '-' 

fare/ wm\ they ravaged the country, causing the inhabit- 
Describe ^^^^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^ thei# forts for safety. About 300 
shfuffhter men, Avomen, and children had fled to Fort Min- 
Minims. ims fof protcction. About noon, on the 30th of 
August, the place was surrounded by 600 Indians, 
who, with their axes, cut their way into the fort, 
burned the houses, and butchered men, women, and 
children. Only 17 escaped to carry the horrid tid- 
ings to their homes. 

29. The whites, indignant at these cruelties, re- 
solved on vengeance. Gen. Jackson, with 2,500 
men, and Gen. Floyd, with 1,000, proceeded against 
did^they them, and laid waste their country ; burned many 
of their villages, and defeated them in bloody 
battles at Talladega, Autassea, and at Emucfau. 
Yet the Creeks, still unsubdued, and confident of 
victory, made a final stand, with 1,000 warriors, at 
the bend of the Tallapoosa. Three thousand men, 



Whowas 
dispatch- 
ed 

against 
them, 
and what 



Cliap. VI. CLOSE OF THE CAMPAIGN. 385 

commanded by Gen. Jackson, marched to attack 1Q13 
them. The conflict was long and bloody. Six hun- De.enb^ 
died warriors soon lay dead on the field, and the battS 
remainder, believing that the Great Spirit had in- creeks.. 
deed forsaken them, fled. 

30. The principal chiefs, fearing an extinction why did 
of the nation, entered into a treaty of peace with now en-^ 

. J I tgr into a 

Gen. Jackson. One of them, in asking for peace, ^^H'^^f 
said, "I have done the white people all the harm I 
could, but now even hope is ended. Once I could Jne'^of'^ 

, T . , the 

anmiate my warriors, but 1 cannot animate the chiefs 

•' ' say •' 

dead. They can no longer hear my voice ; their 
bones are at Tallushatches, Talladega, and Toha- 
peka. While there was a hope of success, I never 
supplicated peace, but my people are gone, and I 
now ask for my nation and myself." In spite of 
their atrocities, we cannot help admiring some traits 
in their character, and dropping a tear over the 
graves of their fallen dead, and their now almost 
buried nation, 

31. In the winter of 1813-14 Cong-ress held an whaf 

• ° were the 

extra session, when the President was authorized l-onfo^- 
to borrow twenty-five millions of dollars, and issue Si"*^"" 
treasury notes to the amount of five miUions. A 
communication was received from the British gov- 
ernment, declining the mediation of Russia, and pro- 
posing a negotiation for peace at London or Gottin- 
gen. The proposition was accepted by the Ameri- 
can government, and Henry Clay and Jonathan 
Russell appointed commissioners. The conven- 
tion was held at Ghent. 



17 



386 Madison's administration. 

1814 

CHAPTER VII. 

CAMPAIGN OF 1814. 



Part MI. 



1. For three months the armies of both nations 
remained idle. In the mean time, the troubler of 



What is 
said of 
the com- 
mence" .^^ 

thfs"cam- Europe, Napoleon, the emperor of France, had been 
InTlhe checked in his victorious career, and banished to the 

condition 
of Eu- 
rope at 

time-! P^^ce ; and England, with no other hostile foe in 
the world, w^as enabled to direct against the United 
States t|ie whole of her immense force. 

Howma- 2. Foui'teeu thousand soldiers, who had fousrht 

ny Ens- ' * 

dieVem- uudcr the Duke of Wellington, embarked for Cana- 



of Eu island of Elba. Europe was once more restored to 

rope at ' 

this 

time? 



barked 
for ( 
da? 



cana- da, and a strong naval force sailed along the Ameri 



can coast, and blockaded many of our ports. Early 
What in the spring-, Gen. Brown marched from Sackett's 

move- t^ o 7 

^If Harbor toward Niagara. On the 3d of July Gens. 
Ge^n.^ ^^ Scott and Ripley, with three thousand men, crossed 

Brown? , . , . , , I'l . . , 

the river, and with but shght opposition took pos- 
session of Fort Erie. On the next day Gen. Brown, 
with the main body of the army, marched to Chip- 
whatis P^way, where the British troops were intrenched, 
tSbat- commanded by Gen. Riall. On the morning of the 
chippe- 5th, both armies met in open field. After an obsti- 

way; ' '■ 

nate and bloody contest, the enemy withdrew to 
their intrenchments with the loss of five hundred 
men. 

3. Gen. Riall, after his retreat, retired to Bur- 
lington Hei2;hts. Here he was reinforced by Gen. 
Diummond, who, assuming the command, led back 



Chap. VII. BATTLE OF LUNDy's LANE. 387 

the army toward the American camp. About sun- is 14, 
set on the 25th the battle of Lundy's Lane com- ^^.j^^^ 
menced, and continued until midnight. com-^ 

4. Two armies meetinsr within a few miles of the on the 
cataract of Niagara, the roar of which w^as silenced ^ 



enins 



the 



25th 



What 
scene 
pre- 



by the thunder of cannon, with no hght save the 
flashes from instruments of death, and glimpses 
of the moon, presented a scene of great sublim- semedon 
ity. General Scott, leading on the advance, first gf^|| 
attacked the enemy, and maintained the fight for ^'°""'^- 
more than an hour, against a force seven times his Describe 
number. The main army, under General Brown, tack. 
coming up, the contest was renewed with great fury. 
A British battery, stationed on a commanding emi- 
nence, sorely annoyed the ximericans during the 
first part of the engagement. It must be silenced, 
or the victory is lost. 

5. " Can you storm that battery ?" said General 
Ripley to Col. Miller. " I'll try, sir," was the laconic ™di(i 
answer ; and placing himself at the head of the Jemand 
21st regiment, marched, in the face of a terrific fire, MiueV? 
to the mouth of the blazing cannon, sprung over 

the guns, as the match was being applied, drove g^'j^JJ'^" 
the artillery men back at the point of the bayo- 
net, and seized the pieces. The whole war does 
not furnish an instance of a more daring act of 
bravery than this. 

6. This eminence was the key to the British po- 
sition, and every exertion was made by the English whatef- 
commander to regain it. Thrice he charged with ^^^f^ ^^ 
the bayonet, but was repulsed and at last driven from [hfemi- 
tJie hill, and the Americans left in quiet possession 
of the field. The thunder of battle was, at length, 



nence i 



388 Madison's administration. part hi. 

1814: liwshed, and no sound was borne on the midnight 
^7^7 ^i''j ^^^'^ ^^^^ *"o^i' ^^ ^^^^ cataract and the groans 
kHA of the dying, who strewed the field. On that 
thi ''^" bloody field lay. ghastly in death, 878 EngUsh sol- 
diers, and 858 American. 

7. Gens. Brown and Scott having been woiind- 
Se^com- ®^? ^^^® command devolved on Gen. Ripley, who, 
"otveon" after having remained for a few hours on the 
Rfpiey? hill, and collected the wounded, retired to Fort Erie, 

and there intrenched himself. Gen. Drummond, 

What ' 

by'^Gen"^ with 5,000 men, on the 4th of August, besieged 
SonT? him. On the night, between the 14th and 15th, 
the besiegers made an assault on the fort,, but were 
repulsed, with the loss of more than nine hundred 
men. 

8. On the 17th of September, Gen. Brown, who 
What had taken command of the garrison, ordered a sor- 

was done '-' ^ 

on 'he 
17th of 
Sept 



^^ tie fiom the fort, and destroyed the advance works 

of the enemy. Shortly after, Gen. Izard arrived 

What from Plattsburgh with a reinforcement of 5,000 men, 

came whcn the enemy retired to tbeir intrenchments, 

£rd? behind Chippeway. General Izard followed, but 

finding it impossible to dislodge them, evacuated 

Canada, and placed his troops in winter-quarters at 

Buffalo, Black Rock, and Batavia. 

9. Early in September, Sir George Prevost, avail- 
whatdid ii^g himself of the absence of General Izard, with a 
pfe"5st large portion of the garrison, advanced toward 
Sept" Plattsburgh, with 14,000 chosen troops, most of 
whom had served with Wellington, in the peninsu- 
lar campaign. On the 6th, the enemy arrived at 
Plattsburerh, which is situated near Lake Cham- 

Where is ^ ' 

hluehi plain, on the banks of a small river. On their ap- 



CliajnVII. BATTLE ON LAKE CHA PLAIN. 389 

proach, the American troops formed a breast-work 1814 
of the planks, which they tore from the bridge. ~^ 

10. On the 11th of September, the British squad- emmy^ 
ron was seen bearing down upon the American '^"^^"^ 
squadron, whicli was anchored off Plattsburgh, and how 
commanded by Com. McDonough. The former ^^'^.'fj*^® 
carried 95 guns, and was manned with 1,050 men ; ""'^' 
the latter carried 86 guns, and was manned with 

820 men. 

1 1. The battle commenced at 9 o'clock, and con- 
tinued for a number of hours. Seldom had the Describe 
ocean witnessed a more bloody or terrible contest ^io"- 
than that which took place on the still waters of 
Lake Champlain. Two hostile fleets, borne on the 
bosom of that placid lake, awakening the deep 
echoes of those giant hills by the roar of their artil- 
lery, as they poured their broadsides into each other, what is 
m quick succession, and the immense army of Sir ^Ye!ent-^ 
George Prevost, drawn up in order of battle, wait- ^''■ 
ing for the striking of the American flag, to open 
their fire on land, presented a sublime scene. 

12. Thousands on the shore watched the con- 
test on the lake with intense interest. The firingf, 
at length, ceased ; a light breeze swept away 
the sulphurous cloud which overhung the combat- 
ants ; when lo, the stars wave in triumph, and the ^^.^^^ 
red cross of England lies on the bloody deck. Now, 
Sir George Prevost, look at your humbled flag, and 
then for your contest with the cowardly Yankees. 
Boldly he led on his forces to the river's edge, but 
they marched to death. The American fire thinned 
his ranks, and the dead bodies of his troops floated 



waves in 
triumph? 



How did 
Prevost 

down the river, v/hich was crimsoned with blood. 1^6 at- 



j „.*^v.** v» M-o v.* .i*x,ov,iiv.vi ^y^vL,. Kj,.yjyj^. ^^^.^ 



390 Madison's administration, p^j.^ m, 

1814 13. The contest continued until night-fall, when 
jjo^^ the enemy fled. On the lake, the American 
IrcS loss was 110, the British 194. On land the Amer- 
tinueT" ican loss was 119, that of the British 2,500. With 
^^^^ these victories the campaign closed on the northern 
l£lf^ frontier. 

14. On the ocean many battles were fought, in 
theBnt- which the Americans were victorious, or onlvyield- 

ishloss? ^, _ ' •'-•' 

ed to superior forces. The Essex, commanded by 
Sries ^^pt- Porter, after a bloody combat, struck to a 
gained British frigate and sloop of war, whose united force 
ocean? was vastly superior. The American sloop Wasp, 
commanded by Capt. Blakely, captured the Rein- 
deer, and afterward sunk the Avon. The sloop 
Peacock captured the Epervier, of equal force. 

15. On the Atlantic coast, th* citizens anticipat- 
ing an augmentation of the enemy's force, took 
every precaution to fortify and garrison their forts. 

What ef- Pqj. ^[jg protection of Washington, 1,000 regular 
Sato troops were raised, and placed under General Win- 
the At- der. A British fleet, under Admiral Cochrane, 

lantic ' ' 

coast? shortly afterward entered the Chesapeake with a 
■virith large land force, commanded by Gen. Ross, who 
^ru'^c-^" was instructed by his government to destroy and 

lions did , , i • i , 

a British lay waste such towns on the coast as might be as- 
fleet en- "^ o 

Sesa'-' sailable. 

peake? ^^ q^^ ^j^^ ^g^l^ ^^ August, Gcu. Ross landed at 

What Benedict with 5,000 men, and advanced through 
by Gen. (he couutiy to Washiugtou. A stand was made at 
Bladensburg, but the miHtia fled, although a body 
of seamen and marines, under Com. Barney, main- 
tained their ground until they were overpowered by 
numbers. The enemy then proceeded to Washing- 



Chap. Vn. BURNING OF THE CAPITOL. 391 

ton, which had been deserted by the miUtia, burned 1814: 
the Capitol, President's house, and all the public auk. 24. 
buildings, and then retired to their shipping. 

17. This shameful and cowardly act, by which 
a vast amount of treasure, w^orks of art and sci- 
ence, were destroyed, excited the indignation of the 
whole people, and made the war popular with al- 
most all parties. The loss of the enemy, during 
the incursion, was eight hundred men. 

18. In the mean time, a portion of the fleet where 

' ' did the 

ascended the Potomac to Alexandria. The inhab- c^^^^an^d 
itants, to purchase their safety, delivered up their lht\t'^ 
shipping, all the merchandise in the city, and the do?'''"^ 
naval and ordnance stores, public and private. 

19. General Ross, elated with his success at Wash- what did 
ington, determined to attack Baltimore. With this termine" 
intent, he sailed up the Chesapeake, landed with sept. 12. 
five thousand men at North Point, and commenced where 
his march toward the city. General Strieker ad- i""ihi3 

•' _ men? 

vanced with two thousand men to retard his pro- 
gress. A skirmish ensued, in which Gen. Ross was glKf 
killed. The Americans gave way and retired to marrh, 
the heii^hts, where Gen. Smith was stationed with skirmish 

^ ' which 

the main body of the army. Col. Brooke, on ensued? 
whom the command devolved on the death of Gen. how did 
Ross, finding it impossible to draw Gen. Smith from peditlon 
his intrenchment, removed his army in the night, n^te? 
and 4e-embarked at North Point. The fleet shortly 
after left the Chesapeake, and proceeded south. 

20. The coast of New. England suflfered much S'^Vf 
from the attacks of the English navy. The ports liL'oT 
of New York, New London, and Boston were block- u-^h navy 

^ ■' on the N. 

aded, and Stonington was bombarded by Commo- JS?'' 



392 Madison's administration. Pai-t hi. 

j^ij: dore Hardy. In several attempts which he luade 
to land, he was repulsed by the mihtia, and finally 
compelled to draw off his forces. 

St'was ^1- 1*^ ^^^^ spring of 1814, Andrew Jackson was 

appoint- appointed major-general in the service of the United 
States, and directed to protect the coast near the 

What did mouths of the Mississippi. On his arrival at Mobile, 

he learn ' * ^ ' 

rival^ir he learned that three British ships of war had en- 

Mobiie? ig^.gjj ^jjg harbor of Pensacola, and landed three 

hundred soldiers with a large amount of arms and 

ammunition, to be distributed among the Spanish 

and Indians. 

What 22. General Jackson, after having" remonstrated 

steps did . 7 O • 

Jackson jj^ yain with the governor of Pensacola, for afford- 
ing protection to the enemies of the United States, 
marched against the place, forcibly took possession 
of the city, and compelled the English to evac- 
uate Florida. Having given the haughty foe 
a foretaste of that which was to come, he re- 
whatin- tumed to his head-quarters at Mobile. Here he re- 
*jo"^dia ceived information, that a powerful expedition was 
h^s7e°" on its way to attack New Orleans, and without de- 
V hat did lay, marched with his troops to that city, where he 

arrived on the 1st of December. 
In what 23. On his arrival he found the city in a state of 

condition -^ 

findthl confusion and alarm. The militia were composed 

his^nl- of men of all nations, iiiiperfectly organized. 

No fortifications existed on the various routes 

by which the place could be approached. Gen. 

Jackson, undismayed by the difficulties which sur- 

what rounded him, proceeded to fortify the place. To 

meas- ' . • i i • 

he^ta& "'''^^^ t"® energies oi the motley mass under his 
direction, he took the daring responsibility of pro- 



Chap. VII. 



BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS. 



393 



claiiinng- martial law. This measure, although a 
violation of the constitution, was thought to he jus- 
tified by necessity. 

24. The enemy passed into Lake Borgne, and 
mastered a flotilla which guarded the passes into 
Lake Pontchartrain. On the 22d of December, 
about 2,400 of the enemy reached the Mississippi nine 
miles below New Orleans. On the followinaf niafht 
they were attacked by Gen. Jackson, but they stood 
their ground. Jackson now withdrew his troops to 
his intrenchments, four miles below the city. On 
the 28th of December and 1st of January, vigorous 
but unsuccessful attacks were made on his forti- 
fications by the enemy. 

25. On the 8th of January, Gen. Packenham 
brought up his forces, amounting to 12,000 men. 
While approaching, fearless and undaunted, in solid 
columns over an even plain, showers of grape-shot 
thinned their ranks. When they came within mus- 
ket shot, a vivid stream of fire burst from the 
American lines, and poured on them an unceas- 



1814 



Describe 
the 
move- 
ment of 
the ene- 
my. 



The at- 
tack of 
Jack«on 
and the 
result. 



How 
large was 
Packen- 

hnm's! 
force ? 



Jackson's fortifications were of a 
novel character. Bags of cotton, which 
no balls could penetrate, were made 
use of for brea.st-works. His front 
was a straight line of one thousand 
yards, defended by upward of 3,000 
infantry and artillerists. The ditch 
contained five feet of water, and his 
front was rendered slippery and mud- 
dy by frequent rains. Eight distinct 
batteries were judiciously disposed, 
mounting in all twelve guns. On the 
opposite side of the river was a strong 
battery of fifteen guns. 




17* 



J94 



MADISON S ADMINISTRATION. p^^^.^ m. 



by I 
Ame 
cans 



1811 iiig tide of death. Hundreds fell at every di^- 
How charge, and whole columns were swept away. 
they re- Closinor their broken ranks, tiiey pressed on over 
the dead bodies of their comrades, but to fall before 
that iron tempest, which poured in incessant vol- 
leys upon them. 
What 26. General Packenham was killed, Gen. Gibbs 

were wouudcd mortallv. and General Keene severely. 

mortally " ' •' 

wound Without officers to direct them, the troops at first 

halted, and then fled to their camp. On the night 

of the 18th, with great secrecy, they embarked on 

board their shipping. Two thousand of the enemy 

wa/ihe. lOiy on the field of battle, while the Americans lost 

the bat- but seven killed, and six wounded. This was ojie 

tie ^ _ \ 

of the most brilliant victories in the war. 

27. In the midst of the rejoicings of the nation, 

news arrived of a treaty of peace, w^iich had been 

mecT"' concluded at Ghent, on the 24th of December. The 

about , ' 

ume? motives for the impressment of seamen had ceased 
with the war in Europe, and the treaty provided 
merely for the restoration of peace, and the bound- 
afies remaining as they w^ere. 

whatna- 28. After the declaration of peace, two additional 

val vic- ^ ' ^ ^ 

toms victories were gained upon the ocean, which im- 
gained? pg^^.^g^j ^ brighter lustre to the American flag. In 
February, the Constitution, Capt. Stewart, captured 
the Cyane and Levant, and in March, the sloop 
Hornet captured the brig Penguin, stronger in guns 
and men than herself. All parties gladly welcomed 
the return of peace, and a general rejoicing pre- 
vailed throughout the country. 
SVrf 29. War WITH Algiers. The Algerines hav- 
a|ain9t lug violatcd tlic treaty of 1795, and conmiitted nu- 



AVhat 
joyful in 
tdlli- 
genre ar- 



s sent 
acMinst 
thern ' 



CHap. VII. WAR WITH ALGIERS. 395 

merous depredations upon the American commerce, is is 
the United States declared war against them. An 
American squadron, under Com. Decatur, sailed who 
into the Mediterranean, captured an Algerine brig 
and forty-four gun frigate, and, at length, appeared 
before Algiers. The dey, intimidated, signed a whut 
treaty of peace advantageous to the United States, 
on the 30th of June, 1815. 

30. During the session of Congress in 1815-16, ^'^^^^le 
a second "Bank of the United States" was char- uihS 
tered, with a capital of $35,000,000. In December, Rmif 
1816, Indiana was received into the Union as aneti' 

What 



independent State. At the presidential election sta^te^^ 
held in the autumn of this year, James Monroe, of 



mitted to 
the 

Union? 
Who 



Virginia, was chosen president, and Daniel D. 
Tompkins, of New York, vice president. dected 

31. At the ao^e of 66 years, Madison retired from presi- 
. . ... *^^"'^' 

public life, to his estate in Virginia. Here he re- 
mained a greater portion of his time, until his death. S'^Vf 
On the 28th of June, 1836, at the age of 85, he died— Sn?'*- 
as serene, philosophical, and calm, in the last mo- 
ments of his existence, as he had been in all the 
trying occasions of his life. Of that band of bene- 
factors of the human race, the founders of the Con- 
stitution, James Madison was the last who went to 
his reward. 



396 Monroe's administration. part hi. 

ISIY 

CHAPTER VIII. 

MONROE'S ADMINISTRATION, 

FROM MARCH 4TH, 1817, TO MARCH 4TH, 1825. 

Sl^Mr ^' J^i^^s Monroe was born in Westmoreland 

Sir county, Virginia, on the 28th of April, 1758. In 

1776, he graduated at William and Mary College. 

and On leavino^ college, he commenced the study of 

where * . . • . . 

ftiiii'JS^ ^^^"^5 ^^^^ very soon relinquished it for the army, in 
graduate? ^j^j^]^ \^q rcceivcd an appointment as lieutenant. 
What He was wounded at Trenton, and for his bravery 
he hold gradually rose to the rank of major. Failing in 
army? raising a regiment in Virginia, Major Monroe left 
the army, and entered on the study of law in the 
office of Mr. Jefferson. 
ficefd?!' ^' ^^ 1780, at the age of twenty- three, he was 
elected to the Virginia legislature, and in the fol- 
lowing year to the Continental Congress. From 



he fill iin 
til 1803? 



the United States, and was taken from that body to 
be minister plenipotentiary from this country to the 
court of France. On his return, he was appointed 
governor of Virginia. In 1803, he was again ap- 
pointed minister to France, and was afterward sent 
both to England and Spain. 
What 3. In 1810, he was again elected governor of Vir- 

fice/d°id ffinia, the duties of which office he continued to 

helill? ° . ' ... . , 

perform until he was appointed secretary of state 
under Mr. Madison. In 1817, when the war had 
ended, and the nation had once more settled down 



of 

country 
at iliis 



Cliap. VIII. '^V'^R WITH THE SEMINOLES.- 397 

into a state of quiet and peace, lie was elected pres- isi'i 
ident. 

4. Tlie country at this time, perhaps, had brighter ^v,,.^f 
prospects before it than for a long time previous, pjspe^t 
Peace reigned within its borders, and contmued 
prosperity soon relieved it from embarrassments, *"«e 
which were the necessary consequences of the war. ^y^^,^ 
On the 11th of December, Mississippi became an sissin!/^" 
independent State, and was admitted into the to^'niT 

' ' Union ? 

Union. 

5. In 1818, Ilhnois adopted a State Constitution, Sf "uj. 
and became a member of the Union. During this miued^io 
year, a war was carried on between the Seminole union? 
Indians and the United States. Many outrages 
were perpetrated by the Indians upon the border ^Ye^f H^' 
inhabitants, and Gen. Gaines was instructed to pro- **^'^^^^'^- 
ceed against them, and reduce them to submission ; who 
but his force bein:j insufficient, Gen. Jackson was agr'ain^^" 

^ ' them, 

ordered to take command, and raise from the sur- hoi''''^ 
rounding States such forces as he might deem ne- force f 
cessary. At the head of 1,000 Tennesseeans, he 
marched into Florida, took possession of St. Marks, 
a feeble Spanish garrison, where he found Arbuth- 
not and Ambrester. These men were accused of 
exciting the Indians to hostilities, tried by a court- 
martial, and executed. ^ 

6. On learning that the governor of Pensacola why did 

. "^ ^ Jackson 

favored the Indians, Jackson marched against, and ^ftf jjt. 
took possession of that place, meeting with but anceT*" 
slight resistance, the governor having fled to Bara- 
cas, a fort six miles distant. To this place Jackson 

What 



followed, and having commenced a furious cannon- took 
ade upon the place, the governor was glad to sur- 



place at 
Baracas ? 



398 MONROE'S ADMINISTRATION. Part III. 

1818 I'ender. Agreeable to the terms of capitulation, the 
governor and officers were sent to Havana. Jack- 
son now announced that the war had closed, and 
returned to Nashville. 
What T'- The conduct of Jackson in the war was cen- 

opinioif sured by very many, but approved of by the Presi- 
S^'"" dent. A resolution of censure was rejected in Con- 
gress by a large majority. On the 22d of February, 
1819, a treaty was concluded at Washington, by 
treaty which East and West Florida were ceded by Spain 



Jiick 
son's 
conduct 1 

1819. 



I'as con- 

luded 

this year? 



eluded to the United States. On the. 22d of March, tlie 



■What 
other 
new 



souri for 
admit- 
tance? 



government of Arkansas Territory was organized. 

On the 14th of December, Alabama was admitted 

st^a'tes into the Union, and the year following the province 

vere ad- ' "^ o i 

mitted? of Maine, which had been connected with Massa- 
chusetts, was separated from it, and became an in- 
dependent State. 
What 8. In 1821, Missouri applied for admission. The 

arosVon questiou arose, should she be admitted as a slave 
plication State? After a stronor debate, it was decided that 

of Mis- c? ' 

slavery should be tolerated in Missouri, but prohib- 
ited in all the territory of the United States north 
and west of Arkansas. 

9. Mr. Monroe's term of office having expired, he 
wa^s s^ent ^as rc-clected president, and Mr. Tompkins vice 
rafefof president. The Gulf of Mexico having been for 
offtSi^ some time infested with a gang of pirates. Commo- 
dore Porter was sent out to chastise these miscreants, 
that regard no law and that feel no mercy. He 
succeeded in a short time in completely breakino^ 

What r J o 

fnlPdi"^ up their organization. 

edpSSn 10. During the summer of 1824, the Marquis de 

Amerir-a Lafavette paid a visit to the land wliose cause he 

this year! •' ^ 



Chap. VIII. MARauiS DE LAFAYETTQ. 399 

had adopted in its darkest hours, and whose hber- ig^^. 
ties he liad assisted so much in estal^lishing. His ^ 
head was now frosted with the snows of seventy ^y,^.^^,^ 
winters, and nearly fiCty years had rolled away since Sfhiml 
he had battled side by side with Washington, in 
the sacred cause of liberty. He traveled through 
every State in the Union, and was every where re- 
ceived with the strongest demonstrations of love 
and affection. 

11. He had not only received no remuneration 
for his services during the war, but had expended 
nearly all his private fortune. Congress now pre- 
sented him $200,000 and a township of land. The 
frigate Brandy wine was prepared to convey him to 
his country, and he was attended to the place of 
embarkation by the President and most of the pub- 
lic officers in Washington. 

12. At the next presidential election the most in- ^^atis 
tense political excitement prevailed throughout the the^'next 
country. The candidates were Messrs. Adams, Eie"-" 

•' . ^ tion7 

Crawford, Jackson, and Clay. Neither of these 
candidates having received a majority, the House 
of Representatives decided in favor of Mr. Adams. 
Mr. Calhoun of South Carolina was elected vice 
president. 

13. After having been for fifty years in public what is 
hfe, Mr. Monroe found the quiet of his home in con.iu 

' I sion of 

Virginia peculiarly acceptable. Here he remained ^^'^""' 
for a number of years, when he came to reside with 
his daughter in New York. On the 4th of July, 
1831, just five years after his illustrious predeces- 
sors, Adams and Jefferson, had quitted the scenes 
of their labors, he expired. He had passed the or- 



roe 1 



400 J. a.^ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION. Pai-t HI. 

1825 dinaiy boundaiy of human life, being over seventy- 

* three years old. 

What is 14. Mr. Monroe possessed many of those traits 

Mi^\toi- necessary to form an able diplomatist. In making 

mental up his mind on any subject, he was never dazzled 

ments? \yy |^[jg brilliant colorings of his own imagination, 

nor led astray by any tormenting passion. Some 

may be greater, many as great, but ages may pass 

before one more fortunate will be found in the 

presidential chair of the Republic. 



CHAPTER IX. 

J. Q. ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION. 

FROM MARCH 4TH, 1825, TO MARCH 4TH, 1829. 

1. John Q^uincy Adams was born at Q^uincy, in 
^J'^e^e Massachusetts, in 1769. His father, John Adams, 
Adams^' early identified himself with the liberties of his 

country ; and from the time that the colonies first 
began to writhe beneath the oppression of England, 
until the close of his presidential career, was ever, 
by their side, cheering them on by words of hope 
and encouragement. Nursed in such a school, and 
rocked by that patriot father in the cradle of liber- 
ty, high hopes were formed of his future success, 
nor were these hopes disappointed. 

2. In early life he accompanied his father on his 
iTKo ^^ission to France, and subsequently to England, 
life^^ '" where he was sent to negotiate peace. At the age 



What is 
said of 
his 
father? 



On what 



CKap. IX. ADAMs' EARLY LIFE. 401 

of eighteen he accompanied Mr. Dana, the minis- iS2S 
ter to Russia, as his private secretary. On his re- 
turn, wishing to complete his education, he entered when 
Harvard College at Cambridge, and graduated there gm-iSate? 
in ] 787. He then commenced the study of law in 
the office of Theophilus Parsons, chief-justice of the 
State, and in due time was admitted to the bar. 

3. In 1794 he was appointed resident minister to what 
Netherlands, where he remained for a considerable cJfsS' 
length of time. Near the close of Washington's amiwhat 
admmistration he was appomted mmister to Portu- him? 
gal, but was afterward transferred to Berlin. In 
1802 he was elected to the State Senate, and in 
1806 to the Senate of the United States. Here he 
distinguished himself, not only as a sound diploma- 
tist, but as a fluent and eloquent speaker. 

4. But his country demanded his services abroad, 

and in 1809 he was appointed minister to Russia. Sr^he^ 
Here he enjoyed the confidence and affection of the him? 
Emperor Alexander, and established on a firm basis 
those friendly relations which have ever since been 
maintained with that nation. In 1817 he w^as ap- 
pointed minister to the court of St. James, where 
he was received with the respect due not only to the 
office, but to his distinguished talents. On the elec- 
tion of Mr. Monroe to the presidency, he made 
choice of Mr. Adams as secretary of state, in w^hich 
position he proved himself as able in council as he 
had been in the Senate. In 1825 he was elected 
President of the United States. 

5. During the administration of Mr. Adams, the ^vhatof 
country enjoyed continued peace and unexampled I;;', 'j^''^^- 
prosperity ; manufactories increased, the arts and trSiJ,nV 



402 J. Q. A dams' administration. Part hi. 

1829 sciences flourished, and a general spirit of content 

and happiness prevailed throughout the country. 

whatoc- The 50th anniversary of American independence, 

tSth" rendered memorable by the event which it celebra- 

anniver- i -ii • i i /> a • 

sarj ot- ted, was made still more so in the annals of Ameri- 

our Hide- ' 

Sence? ^^^ histoiy by the death of the two venerable ex- 
1826. presidents, Adams and Jefferson. But few other 

What is „,..,. 11- 1 • 1 

said of events of historical interest occurred durino^ this ad- 

the next ... . . 

tiaTeiec'- miiiistration. The next presidential election was 
^'*'"' more closely contested than any preceding one. 

General Jackson was elected president, and John 0. 

Calhoun vice president. 
What is . 6. Mr. Adams, at the close of his term of office, 

further i • i • 

l^'*! o^ retired to his farm ; but anxious to serve his coun- 

Mr. Ad- ' 

^*- try, he shortly after was elected representative in 
Congress, which office he has retained since that 
time. Mr. Adams' history has been one of great in- 
terest. From early boyhood he has been in public 
life, and now with his head frosted with age, and 
trembling on the brink of the grave, he still devotes 
the energies of his yet unclouded mind to the ser- 
vice of his country. Long may he be spared to the 
councils of his nation — long enough to witness the 
. passing away of party prejudice, and to enjoy the 
fruition of that fame which has been purchased by 
the devotion of a life to his country. 



ciiap. X. Jackson's early life. 403 

18^9 



CHAPTER X. 

JACKSON'S ADMINISTRATION, 

FROM MARCH 4TH, 1829, TO MARCH 4TH, 1837. 

1. Andrew Jackson was born on the 15th of ^'^en 

and 

March, 1767, in Waxsaw, South CaroUna, a settle- Sf^ 
ment whither his family had emigrated fiom Ire- bomf" 
land, two years previous. Shortly after his birth, 
his father died, leavino^ three sons to be provided 

' . * . ^ What is 

for by their mother. She determined to educate ^^^"^^^J^^ 
Andrew for the clerical profession; but scarcely ''*'^- 
had he entered on the study of the ancient lan- 
guages, when the revolutionary struggle com- 
menced, and at the age of fourteen he abandoned 
school for the colonial camp. The body of troops 
to which he was attached, was surprised by a large 
number of the enemy, and compelled to surrender. 
Jackson and his brother were kept in strict confine- sai/of 

^ his 

ment until they were exchanged, after the battle i>!-others? 
of Camden. His elder brother had previously per- 
ished in the service of the colony, and his younger 
brother shortly after died from a wound which he 
had received during his imprisonment. 

2. In 1786 he commenced the practice of law, 

and removed to Nashville in 1788, where profes- what of- 

' * ^ nces did 

sional success immediately attended him. In 1796, ^^*^"- 
he was elected to the lower house of Congress, and 
delegated to the national senate in the following 
year, but resigned near the close of the session, 



4-U4 jAi^ivouix o AUiviiiMC>i\n,ii. X iui\. Part III. 

tS29 alleging his distaste for the intrigues of politics. 
Within that period, he was chosen major-general 
of the Tennessee militia, and held the office until 
called to the same rank in the United States' ser- 
vice. 

3. As mention ip^ already been made of his 
K(ikf' niilitary career, it would be useless to recapitulate 
isiJand here. In 1823 he was elected to the Senate of the 

United States, but resigned his seat in the second 
session. In 1829 he was elected to the presidency 
of the United States. 

4. The condition of the United States at this 

What . ^ II- mi 

was the tniie was one oi unexampled prosperity. 1 he 

condition ^ i 

^^'j^^e u. cQ^in^iy ^vas at peace with all nation;^ ; the na- 
ume? tional debt was in the course of rapid diminu- 
tion, and the treasury had within its vaults more 
than five millions of dollars. Agriculture, com- 
merce, and manufactures were in a highly flourish- 
ing state. 

5. In 1832, a bill for re- chartering the United 
^^^^- States' Bank passed both houses of Congress, biit 

What is was returned by the President, with his objections ; 
the bm not being repassed by a majority of two-thirds, the 
charter- bank ccased to be a national institution on the ex- 

iiig the 

Bankf^^ piration of its charter, in 1836. During the spring 

of this year, hostilities were commenced by the Sac 

hostiii- and Fox Indians, on the western frontiers of the 

bioke United States, under the celebrated chief, Black 

out in ' ' 

this year? jjj^^y[^ Gcucrals Scott aud Atkinson were sent 
against them, and after a harassing warfare, they 
defeated the Indians, drove them beyond the Mis- 
sissippi, and took Black Hawk prisoner. 

6. The most intense excitement prevailed for a 



Chap.X. NULLIFICATION. 405 

time in South Carolina, respecting a tariff bill, im- ig^*} 
posing additional duties on foreign goods, which had ^vhat is 
passed Congress in the summer of 1832. The Caro- thl"* tariff 
linians declared and boldly maintained, not only in 
their own State, but through the person of their illus- 
trious senator, John C. Calhoun, in the halls of Con- 
gress, that the act was unconstitutional, and that 
the duties should never be paid by South Carolina, 
and that if government persisted in the attempt to 
enforce the payment, they would withdraw from the 
United States; and establish an independent gov- 
ernment. 

7. This doctrine of declaring an act of Congress how 
null and void, was little relished by the .majority of }5^^J{f 
the nation, and the proclatnation issued by the |{o^,";'' 
President was generally popular with all parties, what 
He declared that the laws must be executed, and pro-ja 

' mation 

that any opposition to their execution must be re- Jhe'pJ]'^'^ 
pelled, by force, if necessary. * "'^"^' 

8. South Carolina still retained her hostile feel- 
ings, and determined on resistance. It would be 
impossible to tell what the sad result of this con- 
troversy might have been, had not Mr. Clay, of what is 

. said of 

Kentucky, introduced a compromise bill, which f^'^ ^pm- 
passed both houses of Congress, providing for the '""• 
gradual reduction of duties until 1843, when they 
were to sink to the general level of 20 per cent. In 
1833, Jackson was re-elected president, and Martin SeT^ 
Van Buren was chosen vice president. KssT* 

9. In 1833, the President removed from the 
Bank of the United States the government funds ^^2l\c, 
deposited there, and transferred them to certain 'tL^^hY 
State banks. This measure was strongly censured in isss? 



406 



Part 111. 



pass m 

1830? 



treaties 
were 
formed ? 



1833 ^y ^^^6 opponents of the administration, who attii- 

whoop- buted the pecuniary distresses of 1836 and 1837 to 

ti^^act? the war of the President upon the United States 

Bank. The President declared, that the bank had 

become the scourge of the people, and that the dis- 

AVhatdid - - , «*' ^ . . 

Jackson trcsses 01 the counter were owmg to its mismanage- 
ment. 

10. In 1830, Congress passed a law authorizing 
What the President to remove the remaining Indian tribes, 

law did . , . , . 1-1 

Congress mhabituio^ our southern states, to a territory which 
should be appropriated to their use. beyond the Mis- 
sissippi. With the Chickasaws and Choctaws treaties 

What were made, by which they exchanged their lands, 
and quietly removed to the country fixed upon, west 
of the Arkansas. But the Cherokees were loth to 
leave their cultivated fields and pleasant homes, 

Why which they had surrounded with the luxuries of 

were the -^ 

ke^eYun- civiUzcd life. Too many interesting associations 
leiye'"^" clustered around th'ose running brooks, those hills 
homes? and vales, w^here they had played in childhood, and 
where slept the ashes of their fathers. The spirits 
of the silent dead seemed looking down upon them, 
and urging them not to desert their graves, and 
they boldly refused to go. 

11. It was the policy of Georgia to make their 
How did position as unpleasant as possible. They ac- 

theGeor- ^ ' ^ i i r- 

freaMhe coixliugly cxteudcd over their territory the laws of 
indjiins? jj^^i^. g(_j^^g^ jjj^(3^ among other things, declared that 
Dec 20, no Indian, or descendant of an Indian, residing within 
the Creek or Cherokee nations of Indians, should be 
whati^s deemed a competent witness, or party to any suit, 
|J'^^,i;;;;|Jf in any court where a white man was defendant. 
okeS''' The Cherokees had been civiUzed, and possessed a 



Chap. X. CHEROKEES AND SEMINOLES. 407^ 

national government, and written laws, and now i835 
they asked, what right have the people of Georgia 
to exercise jurisdiction over us ? The Supreme what did 
'Jourt of the United States had declared these acts prem"" 

. . , I 1 • • T Court lie- 

to be unconstitutional ; yet the decision was disre- ciare? 

garded, and when they appealed to tlie President JUkson*^ 

for protection, he stated that he had no power to in- tSfsTb- 

terfere with the, acts of a sovereign State. 

12. In 1835, a few of their chiefs signed a treaty what 

' o '' treaty 

for the sale of their lands, and a removal west of the ^^^ne^in 
Mississippi. Most of the Cherokees were opposed ^^^^■ 
to the treaty, but finding resistance would be in 
vain, they removed without bloodshed. The Sem- whatis 

1 T 1- ^11 1 • said of 

mole Indians, however, refused to leave their coun- 'ht^sem- 

' ' moles ? 

try, declaring that the treaty executed in 1832, at 
Payne's landing, by which they agreed to re- 
move, was unfair and treacherous. Gen. Wiley 
Thompson was sent to Florida, to prepare for the 
emigration ; but Osceola, their most noted chief, 

^ ' • ' . .' What of 

said, " They wished to rest in the land of their osceoia? 
fathers, and their children to sleep by their side," 
and strongly remonstrated against the proceedings 
of government. His proud bearing and haughty 
tones displeased Gen. Thompson, and he ordered 
the chieftain to be put in irons, and confined in 
ffiison. Osceola, in a day or two, affected peni- 
tence, signed the treaty to remove, and was re- 
leased — but not to fulfil the treaty, for he had de- 
termined on a deep and cruel revenge. 

13. At this time Gen. Chnch was at Fort Drone what 
Being in want of supplies, and in great danger ^'jt'j;ition 
from the Indians, who surrounded him, Major Dade clinch? 
was directed to march, with 117 men, from Fori SLR" 



40S Jackson's administration. part hi. 

1^83 o Brook, at Tampa Bay, to his assistance. He iiad 
proceeded about eighty miles on his way, wlien on 
the morning of the 28th of December, he was sur- 
rounded by a band of Indians, and he, with all but 

'■' four of his men, killed and horribly mangled. 

whatoc- 14. On the sameMay, Gen. Thompson, who was 

curred at , . . . , y^, , ^. • i • 

Fort ^ dming with a convivial party at Fort King, within 
sight of the garrison, was surprised by a discharge 
of musketry, which killed himself and five of the 
party. Osceola, at the head of the Indians, rushed 
in, and himself scalped the man who had dared place 
fetters on his free hmbs, and then retreated, unmoles- 

wasGen. ted bv the grarrison. Shortly after, Gen. Clinch was 

Clinch J & J 1 

attacked? attacked by the Indians, on the bank of the With- 
^rj^f^tjg lacooche, and met considerable loss. TheSeminoles 
thesemi- uow commeuced ravaging the country, burning the 
houses, and murdering whole families. Gen. Scott 
Who was now invested with the chief command, but was 

succeed- ' 

soon after ordered to the country of the Creeks, 
and his place filled by Gen. Jessup. 

15. In May, the Creeks commenced hostilities, 
heTn- settinar fire to houses, and murdering families, de- 

Jiiins at O ' ^ . \ 

JJig^^"" stroying towns, burning steamboats, and ravaging 

the whole country. The governor of Georgia raised 

SY troops, took the field in person, and was joined by 

the 



ed Gen. 
Scott ? 



1836. 
Who at- 
tacked 



Creek Gen. Scott Oil the 30th May. By their combined 
efforts, peace was restored early in the siniimer. 
On the 16lh of June, 1836, Arkansas and Michi- 
gan were admitted into the Union, on equal foot- 
ing with the original States. At the next presi- 
dential election, Martin Van Buren, of New York, 
was chosen president, and Richard M. Johnson, of 
Kentucky, vice president. 



ho 

ties? 



What 
took 
place in 
June, 
1836? 



CHap. X. DEATH OF JACKSON. 409 

16. On the expiration of his term of office, Gen. 1^3^. 
Jackson retired to his farm in Nashville, where he ^,.^ .. ~ 

' What 13 

resided until his death, which occurred June 8th, 'he'i- 
1845, in the 78th year of his age. On the morning events of 
of the day on which he died, he swooned, and. for a ^onsiifei 
time, was supposed to be dead ; but he soon after 
revived, and lived until evening. A short time be- 
fore his death, he took an affectionate leave of his 
friends and domestics, retaining to the last his 
senses and intellect unclouded. He expired with 
the utmost calmness, expressing the highest confi- 
dence in a happy immortality through the Re- 
deemer. 

17. Perhaps no statesman has ever had warmer ^.^^^^ 
friends or more bitter enemies. All admit, however, dosing 
that he was an able general, and possessed strong de- "^"'^''"" 
termination of mind. Future generations, when the 
rancor of party feeling has subsided, will be enabled 

to form a more accurate estimate of his merits and 
demerits, than those who live when the waves of 
that sea of party strife on which he rode, are still 
dashing at their feet. 



CHAPTER XL 

VAN BUREN'S ADMINISTRATION, 

PROM MARCH 4TH, 1837, TO MARCH 4TH, 1841. 

1. Martin Van Buren was born at Kinderhook, when 
in New York, Dec. 5th, 1782. His parents w^ere Zalxs 
of Dutch descent, and in humble circumstances, bom" 

IS 



410 



Part III. 



183T Martin received his education at the academy of 
What is ^^i^ native village, which he attended until the age 
fSSt- of fourteen, when he commenced the study of law 
educa^ in the office of Francis Sylvester, Esq., in Kinder- 
hook. Here he remained until the last year of his 
professional study, which he spent in the office 
of William P. Van Ness, in the city of New 
York. 

2. In 1803 he commenced the practice of law in 

his native village, and was shortly after appointed 

surrogate of Columbia county. In 1809, on ac- 

stated of count 01 tlic uicrcase oi nis busmess, he removed to 

his hie ' 

HSdl^oJT? the city of Hudson. He was elected State Senator 
in 1812, and in 1815 appointed Attorney-general 
of the State. Here he had ample opportunity to 
display the acuteness of his mind, and soon enjoyed 
the reputation of being one of the first lawyers in 
the State. 
What 3. In 1816, on account of his professional busi- 

hono'ra- ness, hc rcuiovcd to the city of Albany. Inl821-he 

ble offi- ' . 

he^filH ^^^ elected to the Senate of the United States, 
where he distinguished himself as an eloquent 
speaker, and a skilful statesman. In 1828 he was 
elected Governor of New York, but resigned the 
office in the following year to fill the post of Secre- 
tary of State, to which he had been appointed by 
Jackson. In 1831 he was sent as Minister Pleni- 
potentiary to England. In 1833 he was elected 

What vice president ; and in 1837, president of the United 

the spirit States. 

ktion 4. After the public moneys had been removed 

about ^ *' 

Lndwhat hom the United States Bank to the State banks, 
Se-'*"^ the facilities for borrowing on credit were greatly 

Quences 



/■ 



Chap. XI. COMMERCIAL DISTRESS. 411 

increased. The old roads of honest mdustiy were 183^ 
abandoned, and fortunes were made in an hour by 
speculation. Cities were planned in the wilder- 
ness, on the rocks, and the sea-coast below high 
Waaler mark ; and building lots sold at immense 
prices. This unnatural state of things had its cri- 
sis in 1837. Many having contracted large debts 
were obliged to fail, and in failing drew others into 
the vortex with them, until a large portion of the 
heaviest establishments in the country were com- 
pletely prostrated. The banks now stopped specie 
payment, and apprehension pervaded the whole 
mercantile community. 

5. DurinsT tlie months of March and April, the what is 
failures in the city of New York alone amounted |f;|/l'^" 
to more than one hundred millions of dollars. Meii S? 
who had been living in affluence, and supposed 
themselves w^orth an independent fortune, retired 

in comparative ease and comfort at night, and awoke 
bankrupt and without a home in the morning. The 
banks wdiere the public moneys were deposited" 
shared the common fate, and the question now arose, 
how was tha- government to meet its expenses, and 
what should be done with the public purse ? 

6. To decide these and other questions, an extra what 

mode did 

session of Congress w^as convened. 1 he President IJ^?,,^''^^- 
recommended a mode for keeping the pubhc funds, ;:^end"for 
called the "sub-treasury scheme,"' which was re- the I'uif- 

_, ,-_, ' 1 1 '"^ funds? 

jected by Congress. Treasury notes were ordered 
to be issued, and other measures taken to supply ^^''^^^J^'^ 
the wants of government. The pressure in the ''''^'^• 
money market was gradually removed, and on the 
13th of August the banks resumed specie payment; 



412 VAN RUREN's administration. Part HI. 

1840 but it was a long lime before the country came back 

to its former prosperous condition. 
What is 7. The war with the Seminole Indians, in Flo- 
thesem- lida, which was supposed to have been brought to 
'^'^'^ ■ an end, again broke out with renewed fury. The 
Indians, hid in their swamps and everglades, hunt- 
ed down, our troops and the inhabitants like wild 
Osceola^ bcasts. lu October. Osceola and several principal 
chiefs, with about seventy warriors, came to the 

What is . . , /jr.' 1 

said of American camp under a nag of truce, and were 
Osceola? takcu prlsoiicrs by order of Gen. Jessup. Osceola 
pined away, and shortly afterward died. The 
seizure of an enemy under a flag of truce, which 
was contrary not only to the usages of civilized, 
but of savage nations, was severely censured by 
many ; by others it was justified, from the fact that 
Osceola was treacherous, and that no treaties could 
bind him. The war continued, with varied success 
on the part of our troops, until 1840, when it was 
brought to a close. 

8. The Sub-treasury bill, which was rejected by 
^^ Congress in 1837, was again introduced in 1840, 
and passed both houses. The census of 1840 
What showed the population of the United States to be 
''mi'sus of 17 068,666. Gen. Wilham Henry Harrison, the 
hero of Tippecanoe and the Thames, was elected 
president, and John Tyler, of Virginia, vice presi- 
dent. Mr. Van Buren, on leaving the presidential 
chair, 1-etired to his property at Kinderhook, where 
he now resides. 



What 
bill 

passed 
Congre: 
in 1840 : 



1840? 



What is 
farther 
s;u(l of 
Van Hu- 
reii? 



Chap. XII. Harrison's early life. 413 

1841 

CHAPTER XII. 

HARRISON'S ADMINISTRATION, 

FROM MARCH 4th, 1841, TO APRIL 4th, 1841. 

1. William Henry Harrison was born at Berk- whati3 

•' saiil ot 

ley, on James river, twenty-five mites from Rich- t'^e birth 
niond, Virginia, in the year 1773. He was the ofH^frri- 
youngest of three sons of Benjamin Harrison, a de- *°" 
scendant of the celebrated leader of the same name 
in the wars of Cromwell. His father was chairman 
of the committee of the whole house, when the 
Declaration of Independence was adopted, and was 
one of the illustrious signers of that act. 

2. At the age of seventeen, William Henry left -vnhhi 
Hampden Sydney College, and commenced the sion'^did 
study of Medicine. The death of his distinguished f^^^^ 
parent, immediately after his arrival in Philadel- S he^ 
phia, in 1791, to prosecute those studies, checked 

his professional aspirations ; and the note of pre- 
paration, which was sounding through the country 
for a campaign against the Indians of the west, 
decided his destiny. In opposition to the wishes 
of his guardian, he determined to enter the army, Z.c^\°^] 
and received an ensign's commission from General the 

. army ? 

Washington. In the following year he was select- 
ed by General Wayne as one of his aids. After 
the treaty of Grenville, Harrison was left in com- 
mand of Fort Washington, now Cincinnati. 

3. Weary with a garrison life, he resigned his 
commission, and at the age of twenty-four was ap- 



414 Harrison's administration. Paitm. 

1841 pointed Secretary of the North-western Territory. 
What of- I^^ 1799 he was elected the first delegate in Con- 
he^'fiiuf- gress from that extensive region now comprising 
in^ the the States of Ohio, Indiana, lUinois. and the Terri- 

army •' i i j 

tory of Michigan. 
What in- 4. In 1801 Harrison was appointed governor of 
hiir^ Indiana Territory, a post of great responsibility. A 
army.^^^ ncver-slumbering watchfulness was the means he 
used in keeping down Indian invasions. During 
the year 1811, the intrigues of the British agents 
stirred up the passions of the Indians, and rendered 
hostilities unavoidable. The events of this cam- 
paign have already been recorded. Tbe judgment 
displayed in its prosecution, and the battles of Tip- 
whatis pecanoe and the Thames, have given Harrison a 
sai?1Jf high rank among heroes. In 1817 he resigned his 
hiseiec- commission, and retired to his farm at North Bend, 

tion as '' ■' 

Jent'5 from which he was repeatedly called to represent 
the people in Congress. 

5. In 1824-5 he was elected to the Senate of the 
United States, and in 1828 appointed minister to 
Colombia. On his return to his country, he re- 
tired to the pursuit of agriculture at North Bend, 
where he remained until called by the voice of his 
What is country, in 1841, to the presidential chair. But his 
htsV- administration was of short duration, for in one 
tion) month from the time when the shouts of thousands 
went up at his. inauguration, he was lying cold in 
death in the presidential mansion. 
Describe ^' ^^^ Thursday, the 25th of March, he caught 
cause of a sHght cold from undue exposure, and on the day 
ness.'L' following was overtaken in a shower, which in- 
death^^ creased the symptoms. Continuing unwell on Satur- 



ciiap. XII. Harrison's death. 415 

day, he was prevailed on to send for a physician, ig^-i 
who prescribed some medicine. On Sunday, his 
fever increased, accompanied with general symp- 
toms of pnemiionia. The disease now assumed an 
alarming character, and seemed, until his death, to 
bid defiance to the skill of his physicians. 

7. On Saturday morning he felt somewhat bet- 
ter, and requested the 103d Psalm to be read ; 
when it was concluded, in the presence of several 
of his family, he thanked the Lord for his good- 
ness, and seemed overpowered with deep emotion. 
At 6 o'clock on the same day, the physicians pro- 
nounced him beyond their skill. He gradually sunk 
into a state of stupor, from which he partiall}^ re- 
vived about 9 o'clock. Seeing his cabinet and his 
nearest friends around his bed— even in that last 
hour of his earthly existence, the welfare of his 
country lay near his heart, and he faintly uttered, 
*'I wish you to understand the true principles of 
government. I wish them carried out. I ask no- 
thing more." His breathings now became more 
difficult, and about half an hour after midnight on 
Sunday morning, April 4th, without a struggle, his 
spirit passed away from earth. 

8. He professed to be a Christian, and his friends what is 
who were acquainted with his life, and knew his JJ^con"" 
respect and affection for the cause of religion, and *'^""""' 
his intention in a few days of uniting with the 
church, entertained no doubt of his sincerity. The 
nation felt, as they received the news of the death 

of their President, that God was chastising them 
for their sins ; and as they bent beneath the rod, 
they learned the important lesson, that " God only 



416 



Tyler's administration. 



Part III. 



1841 i^ great." Party spirit was forgotten, aiul the wliole 
nation mourned together. 



Repeat 
the 

verses on 
Harri- 
son's 
death. 



Death ! Death in the White House ! Ah, never beiore, 
Trod his skeleton foot on the President's floor ! 
He is looked for in hovel, and dreaded in hall — 
The king in his closet keeps hatchment and pall — 
The youth in his birth-place, the old man at home. 
Make clean from the door-stone the path to the tomb; 
But the lord of this mansion was cradled not here — 
In a church-yard far olf stands his beckoning bier ! 
He is here as the wave-crest heaves flashing on high — 
As the arrow is stopped by its prize in the sky — 
The arrow to earth, and the foam to the shore — 
Death finds them, when swiftness and sparkles are o'er." 



What is 
saiti of 
the birth 
and pa-, 
rents of 
Tyler? 



What of 
his early 
lile? 



CHAPTER XIII. 

TYLER'S ADMINISTRATION, 

FROM APRIL 4TH, 1841, TO MARCH 4TH, 1845. 

1. John Tyler was born in Charles city, Vir- 
ginia, in 1789. His father, John Tyler, was a dis- 
tinguished man, and from 1808 to 1811 held the 
higii office of governor of Virginia. Tyler was edu- 
cated at William and Mary College; on leaving 
which, he commenced the study of law in the office 
of his father. At the age of twenty-one, he was 
elected to the Slate legislature, and from 1816 to 
1821 held a seat as representative in Congress. 
Here he distinguished hiitiself not only as a work- 
ing man, but as a bold and fluent debater. In 1825 
he was elected governor of Virginia, and in 1827 to 



Chap. XIII. ^DIFFICULTIES IN RHODE ISLAND. . 417 

the United States Senate. In 1841 he was elected i^^arj 
vice president of the United States, but on the death 
of the lamented Harrison, by the Constitution, the 
duties of tlie presidential office devolved on him. 

2. Gen. Harrison had called an extra session of wimt 
Congress, to consider matters which he believed to some of 
be of vital importance to the nation. During its {'^';;\:;'/;a 
session, the sub-treasury bill was repealed, a bank- ^\'un- 
rupt law passed, and two bills chartering a bank 

of the United States were vetoed bv the President, wiiathiii 

'' was ve- 

As this was one of the favorite measures of the 'Q*^^^ 
whig party, the conduct of the executive caused ^^^^ 
him to be denounced by them in no measured terms. ^,ndS^ 
His entire cabinet were indignant at what they con- ittardcd? 
sidered his treachery toward his party, and with 
but one exception, resigned. In 1842 a dispute ^g^^ 
with England, respecting the north-eastern boun- whatoc- 
dary line, was negotiated between Mr. Webster and ml""! 
Lord Ashburton. 

3. In this year, domestic difficulties commenced what is 
in Rhode Island. An attempt was made to setihe.h'm- 
aside the ancient charter, which had hitherto been which 

' occurred 

in force. One party adopted a constitution, and, isiind'?'*' 
unauthorized by the laws of the State, elected a 
legislature, and chose Thomas W. Dorr governor. 
Tlie law and order party also met, and chose Sam- 
uel W. King governor. Both parties met in 1843 ^.^^ ^ ^ 
and organized their goveinment. The legally or- 
ganized party now attempted to put down what 
they considered a rebellion. The insurgents under 
Dorr appeared in arms, but were dispersed with but 
little resistance. The whole State was placed un- 
der martial law. Dorr fled, but shortly after return- 



418 • Tyler's administration. 



Part III, 



1843 ittg", was tried for treason, and sentenced to be im- 
prisoned during life. In a short time, he was par- 
doned. In the mean time, a constitution for the 
State was adopted. 

What is 4. Texas was formerly a province of Mexico, and 

SHid of 1 1 . • 11 , . . 1 TT rs, 

Texas? settled principally by emigrants from the U. States. 
In 1834, her citizens becoming displeased with what 
they considered the unjust and tyrannical policy of 
the Mexican government, declared themselves inde- 
pendent. A long and bloody war followed, which 
finally ended in the defeat of the Mexicans, and the 
establishment of a republican form of government 
in Texas. It had long been the wish of the Tex- 

What 

treaty aus to be admitted into the Union as a State, when, 

was sub- . 

cor?ess ^^^ 1845, the President submitted to Congress a 
in 1845/ tieaty for the annexation of that country to the 

United States, 
whatis 5. The discussion of this question awakened the 

said of . . Ill 

the (lis- most intense excitement, throughout the nation.. 
The whig party strongly opposed it as a measure 
intended, to increase the limits of the slave territory, 
and to perpetuate in the country what they consid- 
ered a foul blot on our national escutcheon. They 
contended, that we had territory enough without 
Texas, and independent of this, that we had no 
right to admit her into the Union. The democratic 
party contended, on the contrary, that we not only 
had the right, but were in duty bound, under the 
then existing state of affairs, to form with her a 
treaty of annexation. They insisted that Texas, 
as an independent and sovereign State, had full 
power to enter into any treaty with a foreign gov- 
ernment. After a long and boisterous discussion in 



cussion 
which it 
occa- 
sioned ? 




VaJctdolicZ 



^^M 



t#\W 



^.zeuco 









Top 






lIS^jfeMI 



ALouRil-ude ^\^est 2I2 from \V^^s^ling loo. ^lo 



; f B/>r-Et> fcRo 



Cliap. XIV. 



EARLY LIFE OF POLK. 419 



Congress, the bill was defeated by a large ma- 184.5 

6. At the next presidential election, James K. fate S® 
Polk, of Tennessee, was elected president, and ty? 
George M. Dallas, of Pennsylvania, vice president. S° 
Mr. Tyler, at the close of his term of office, retired uieVcxt 
to his estate in Virginia, where he now resides. <ient? 



CHAPTER XIV. 

POLK'S ADMINISTRATION. 

FROM MARCH 4TH, 1845, TO MARCH 4TH, 1849. 

1. James K. Polk was the eldest of ten children, what is 

said ol 

and was born in Muhlenberg county. North Caro- ^'^jj^^^^^ 
lina^ on the 2d of November, 1795. His ancestral ip'oTk"^ 
name, which was Pollock, was gradually abbrevi- 
ated to Polk. His father was an mipretending 
farmer, who, by industry, energy, and perseverance, 
had arisen from poverty to comparative wealth. In 
1806 he removed to Tennessee. James beinff of del- hisiifeto 

c5 the time 

icate constitution, his father determined on educat- eiec'tion 
ing him for commercial pursuits, and went so far ["esiden- 
as to place him in a counting-house. But this em- 
ployment was exceedingly distasteful to him, and 
he pleaded so hard with his father that he would 
permit him to alter his course, that he at length 
consented. 

2. On leaving the counting-house, he entered 
upon a course of studies preparatory to college, and 
in 1818 graduated at the University of North Caro- 



420 folk's administration. part hi. 

184-5 lina, with the highest honors of the institution. 
In the following year, he commenced the study of 
law in the office of Senator Grundy, and in the lat- 
ter part of 1820, was admitted to the har. Here he 
met with great success, and soon became exten- 
sively known as an eloquent pleader, and a close 
and logical reasoner. In 1823 he was elected to 
the State Legislature, and in 1825 he took his seat 
as representative in Congress. In 1835 he was 
elected Speaker of the House of Representatives, 
and re-elected to the same post in the following 
year. In 1838 he was elected by a large majority, 
governor of Tennessee, and in ] 844 president of the 
Sor,. United States. 

3. Durino' the session of'Cong'ress in 1845, a bill 
passed both houses, instructing the president to en- 
consress ^^^' ^^^^^ ^ treaty of annexation with Texas. The 
""'^^'' treaty was concluded the same year, and Texas 
outrages admitted into the Union as an independent State. 

had the - ^ 

Mexi 
cans fre- 
quently 



•was 
passe 1 
during 
the 



commit- 
ted on 
the 

Ameri- 
cans? 



4. W^R WITH Mexico* — Causes, <fec. — Almost 
from the commencement of the Mexican republic, 
outrages on the persons and property of American 

* Mexico was discovered by Grizalvia, a Spanish navigator, 
in 1518. On the 2lst of April, 1519, Hernando Cortez, sent out 
by the Governor of Cuba, landed his force of 617 men where 
now stands the city of Vera Cruz. Mexico was inhabited by 
numerous warlike nations, who understood many of the arts of 
civilized life. In 1521, with his small force, Cortez had con- 
quered the whole country, and overturned the throne of Monte- 
zuma. From this time, Mexico was governed by viceroys from 
Spain, until 1822, when Iturbide was proclaimed emperor. 
From 1810 till 1820 insurrections against the home government 
prevailed throughout the country. In 1823 Iturbide was ban- 
ished from the country ; a,i.d in 1824 a constitution was formed 
similar to that of the United States. 



Chap. XIV. RELATIONS WITH MEXICO. 421 

citizens have been committed by Mexico, and re- 184.5 
dress, although frequently demanded, has been 
either refused, or the subject evaded. On the 5th ^^y^^^ 
of April, 1831, a treaty of amity and navigation rUuied""' 
was concluded between the republics, yet scarcely the tw.. 

* ' *' -^ countries 

had two months passed away, before fresh outrages '"'^^i' 
were perpetrated. 

5. In 1837, during the administration of Jack- what de- 
son, a messenger was dispatched to Mexico, to was 
make a final demand for redress. This demand Jinkson 

in 1837, 

was made on the 20th of July. The Mexican gov- ^"^It 
ernment expressed a wish for the continuation of repVSf 
friendly feelings, and also proiiaised that the diffi- 
culties should be settled. These solemn assurances 
were never fulfilled. 

6. On the 11th of Aus^ust, 1840, a ioint commis- ^.h^t js 

~ ' 'J said of 

sion was organized, the powers of which were to |J-;,'j|^"^' 
terminate in February, 1842. The claims that JLt,"^' 
were allowed by this board, before the commission 
expired, amounted to two million, twenty-six thou- 
sand, one hundred and thirty-nine dollars, and* 
sixty-eight cents. The amount of unsettled claims 
at that time was nine hundred and twenty-eight 
thousand, six hundred and twenty-seven dollars, 
and eight cents, 

7. On the 30th of January, 1843, a second con- ^y^^^^^^ 
vention was concluded between the two govern- ?he'se"c- 
ments, which declared that the interest due on the vem^o"? 
awards made in favor of tlie claimants in the con- 
vention of 1840, should be paid to tliem on the 30th 

' ^ Huvetho 

of April, 1843, and the principal, with the interest ^^|^>;;^'i'» 
accruing thereon, in five years, in equal instalments filiedi"^' 
every three months. Notwithstanding^ the payment 



422 folk's administration. p^^^.^ m, 

1845 of these sums was seemed by treaty, yet the claim- 
^.j^j^tjg ants have only received the interest due on the 
th^Mex- 30th of April, 1843, and three out of the twenty in- 
rages? stalments. Mexico has thus shown a want of good 
faith, in the repeated violation of solemn treaties. 
These outrages were, without doubt, one of the rea- 
sons for war ; yet we are to look to another quarter 
for the principal cause, 
wil^he 8- On the 29th of December, 1845, Texas was 
boundary admitted into the Union. The original boundary 
tween line bctweeu Texas and Mexico was the Nueces, 

Texas ' 

andMex- j^^f ^^^ ^he 19th of December, 1836, a few months 
When after the establishment of the Texan independence, 
dafmed her Con^^ress passed an act in which they declared 

by Texas & r J 

and how? ti^e Rio Grande, from its mouth to its source, to be 
mSco'^ its boundary. The Nueces was held to be the boiin- 
cia/m? dary line by the Mexicans, and the territory between 
What the two rivers claimed by that ffovernment. Mexi- 

feelings . 

iStaanT ^^ ^^^ long manifested hostile feelings toward 
towl'Jd Texas, and had frequently threatened to send troops 
to reduce to submission what she considered a re- 
volted province. 
What 9. On the admission of Texas into the Union, 

was Tay- ' 

lectedto ^^n- Taylor was directed to proceed with a small 
^°' force to some position west of the Nueces, that he 
did ^he might be in readiness to repel any attempt at inva- 
\on\°d ^^^^ ^y Mexico. In August, 1845, h'e encamped at 
main?" Corpus Cliristi, on the west side of the Nueces, where 
What in- hc remained six months in perfect quiet, there being 
omgov- J^o attempts at invasion by the Mexicans. During 
reriived, thls time oui' govemment had been informed, that 
wasTay it was the inteutiou of Paredes to assemble a lariJ^e 

lor di- ^ 

tected to arnjy on the Rio Grande, for the invasion of Texas, 



Chap. XIV. t'ORT POLK AND PORT BROWN. 423 

they therefore directed Taylor to advance, and oc- ig^-s^ 
CLipy the east bank of the Rio Grande, opposite 
Matanioras. 

10. Taylor commenced his march on the 8th of ^vhen 
March, 1846. On the 20th he reached the Colo- com^ 

rn6ncc 

rado, where he was met by Gen. Mejia with a small Jj^j^j^, 
force, who informed him that if he crossed the river 
it would be considered a declaration of war, and 
would be immediately followed by actual hostili- 
' ties. Taylor crossed the river without resistance, 
and marched to Point Isabel. The inhabitants pro- h^^*^" ® 

. - , ^ . ^ , . march to 

tested agamst the occupation oi any portion oi their ^(J'^^^^^J^o 
territory by the Americans, set fire to the public 
buildings, and abandoned the place. Taylor fixed 
on this point as a depot for provisions ; and hav- 
ing made preparations for the erection of Fort 
Polk, moved forward, and reached the Rio Grande 
opposite Matamoras on the 28th of March. 

11. In the mean time, Mr. Slidell, an agent of ^Jf^^'/ 
the United States, was in Mexico, insisting on ffiif'" 
being received as a plenipotentiary, while Mexico 
would only recognize him as a commissioner. Mr. 
Slidell was finally compelled to withdraw from the 
country. General Taylor, on arriving before Mata- jay 
moras, placed his cannon in a position so as to '^^IJ^'to 
command the streets of the city, and shortly after ^'^''"'^^ " 
erected Fort Brown. 

12. These measures, adopted by the president, what u 
by which our troops crossed the boundary claimed the 
by Mexico, were considered by a large portion of adopted 
the people of the United States as impolitic, if not piesu^ 
unjust; and the occupation of a territory by our 
troops, which at least was a subject of dispute, was 



What did 

lor 
do oil ar- 



424 folk's administration. part hi. 

01846 fleemed by many a belligerent act. Gen. Ampiidia 
.whatdid ^^ considered it, and notified the American general 
di^and to retire beyond the Nueces, within twenty-four 
doT'' hours. On the 24th of April, Gen. Arista super- 
seded Ampudia in command, and communicated 
to Taylor, that he considered hostihties com- 
menced. 

13. On the 23d of April, Gen. Taylor received 
intimation that a large body of Mexicans had 

What is crossed the Rio Grande, and on the following day 

said ot ' ^ •^ 

Thorn- dispatched Capt. Thornton with a small force to 
intercept them ; but in charging the Mexicans, he 
was captured, and his men either killed or taken 
Tayipf'' prisoners. On the 29th, information reached Gen. 
abi" on^" Taylor that Point Isabel was surrounded by the 
the 29th? enemy an*d in danger. Taylor immediately made 
preparations to go to its relief, and open a commu- 
nication between the tw^o posts. On the 1st of 
What or- May, he departed with the main body of the army, 
he leave? Icavlug ordcrs to defend the fort to the last, and if 
surrounded, to fire signal guns. 

14. On the 3d, the enemy, taking advantage 
of the absence of Taylor, opened their guns on the 
fort, and the holy quiet of that Sabbath day was 
broken by the thunder of cannon. From this time 
till Saturday, shells and shot were constantly flying 
over the heads of that devoted band, shut up with- 
in the intrenchinents, with but four hundred rounds 
of ammunition. At the end of three days. Arista 
sent a summons to the fort to surrender, declaring 

Ansta that if it was not obe)^ed in one hour, he would 



What 
took 
place on 
the 3d ? 



What 
Si.ln- 
lious did 
Arista 
send to 

and u hat put- the garrison to the sword. A council of war 
Mpiy^^* was called, and the cpiestion put to the youngcist 



Cliap. XIV. BATTLE OF PALO ALTO. 425 

first. His short reply, " Defend the fort to the is^o 

death P was echoed from lip to lip, and in thirty 

minutes the guns of the enemy were raining balls 

on the intrenchments, and that brave garrison coolly 

prepared for the death-grapple with their foe. 

15. Previous to this, signal guns had been fired ; how did 

as the heavy reports broke in dull and distant hear of 
'' * this con- 

echoes over Point Isabel, and Taylor stood and ''''^• 

listened, he remembered the smaUness of the garri- 
son he had left behind and the number of the ene- what did 
my, and on the 7th commenced his march, saying, when^L 
" If I meet the enemy, I will fis^ht them." On the po'"S 

•' ' o Isabel ? 

8th, he caiue in sight of the enemy at Palo Alto,* Mays. 
drawn up in order of battle, stretching a mile and dlf^he 
a half across the plain, alonff the edo^e of a chap- ^vith the 



enemy, 
and how 



parel ; a little in advance, on the left, were th 
lancers, a thousand strong, while throughout the S?''"" 
rest of the line were masses of infantry and bat- 
teries, placed alternately. 

16. Our army was immediately formed in order how 

'' '' was our 

of battle. Gen. Twiggs commanded the right, f™/J'' 
composed of the 3d, 4th, and 5th infantry and ^Z^"'^^' 
Ringgold's artillery. Lieut. Churchill commanded 
the two 18 pounders in the centre, while Col. Bel- 
knap was placed over the left, composed of Dun- 
can's artillery and 8th infantry. The battle com- said ot 

-' •' Kinff- 

menced. Ringgold opened his battery on the right ^^^l^.^-, 
with terrible effect, the deadly precision of his guns 
sweeping down platoons at ever}^ discharge. On 
the left, Duncan poured in his destructive volleys (uns "i"d 
in fierce and rapid succession, while* in the centre centre? 
the two IS pounders shook the field with their 

♦ Pronounced Pah-lo-alto. 



426 



POLK'S ADMINISTRATION. 



Part III. 

184:6 Steady fire, as, slowly advancing, they sent death 
through the Mexican ranks. 




GEN. ZACHARY TAYLOR. 

17. The shot of the enemy told on our ranks 
^'haUs severely ; but the soldiers, cool as veterans, kept 
dieisr'' their position without a murmur. Ringgold, while 

seated on his horse, received a shot, which pass- 
sai/o'/ ed through his horse, cutting in two the pistols 
gold? in liig holsters, and tearing away the flesh from 

both his legs, from his knees upward. As he tiell, 



Cliap.XIV. COUNCIL OF WAR. 427 

some officers gathered around, but lie waved them ig^-e 
away, saying, " Leave me alone, you are needed 
forward." The sun went down on the field of 
blood ; and as his departing rays struggled for a 
moment" to pierce the cloud that curtained in the^^h^'tia 

i said ot 

two armies, the firing ceased, and the battle of dosin^of 
Palo Alto was over. Our little army encamped on tie'i and 

the liiss 

the field amid their dead and dying companions. ^^^J^j'^^' 
With 2,300 men, Taylor had beat 6,000, and killed 
and wounded nearly 400, Avith a loss of only 9 
killed and 42 wounded. 

18. The weary night wore away. Ringgold 
lay dying — Page, speechless gtnd faint — ^and many 
of our brave men stretched on the field of their 
fame, wounded or dying, while hundreds of the 
enemy made the night hideous with their cries and 
groans. That was an anxious night for the brave y^r^^^^^ 
Taylor. He was within a short distance of the SsuL- 
fort, but far from reinforcements ; while the ene- t?i>io*?, 

' and what 

my within reach of help from Matamoras, were f^^ he 
resolved to dispute his entrance. Jn this position 
he called a council of war. Only a few were in 
favor of advancing, while the remainder advised 
to intrench where they were, or retreat to Point ^^^^ 
Isabel. When all had spoken, the brave veteran d^^JfiS 
said, " I will be at Fort Brown before night, if 1 hve." council-! 

19. There spoke out tne spirit of the true hero, 

*^ . What 

the same that on the heights of Bennington ex- ^^y^ 
claimed, as the sword pointed to the enemy moving ft"ted in 

Tfivlor's 

to battle, " Those red coats, ?ne7i, before night they answer? 
are ours, or Mary Stark's a widoiv P' — the same 
that uttered, in the very blaze of the hotly worked 
battery at Lundy's Lane, " III try sir I" — the same, 



428 folk's administration. 



Part III. 



1846 that, on the rending decks of the Chesapeake, 
faintly munnured, " Don't give 2ip the ship /" It 
was a noble resolution to save the garrison, or leave 
his body at the foot of the walls, and right nobly 
was it carried out. 

20. The next day, Taylor recommenced his 
march, and soon came up with the enemy, occupy- 
How ins; a strono^ position on the farther side of a ra- 

was the ® . . 

defend" vine. Eight pieces of artillery, divided into three 
^'*' portions, defended this position — one on the left side 
May 9. qi' [\^q road, one on the right, and another in the 
centre. Scarcely were our troops in order of bat- 
what tie, when the artillery of the enemy opened and 
s^n^ rained a shower of balls on our ranks, and the bat- 
menced? tie of Rcsaca de la Palma* commenced. 
Describe ^^' "^^^ ^'^^^ ^^'^^ swcpt at evciy discharge with 
the bat- giape-shot and balls. On the right, our men, ad- 
vancing through the chapparel, had outflanked the 
enemy, and were pouring in their well-directed 
volleys ; while on the left, the incessant flash 
of musketry, drowned now and then by the roar 
of cannon and shouts of the men, told how fierce 
S'^of ^v^s ^'^^ conflict. The battery of Ridgely kept 
ly-'sHfat- steadily advancing, like a moving volcano, sweep- 
ing down the enemy at every discharge like grass 
before the scythe. 

22. The whole army fought with unparalleled 
bravery, led on by oflScers as brave as ever trod a 
battle field. From the outset, our army steadily 
advanced on every side, except along the road 
where the central battery was playing. At length, 
goaded to madness by the galling fire kept up 



Kid 
tery ? 



What IS 
said oi 
our ar- 
my? 



♦Pronounced Ray-sah-cah-da y-lay-Pal-mah. 



Chap* XIV. K,ESACA DE LA PALMA. 429 

from those few pieces, and seeing that the whole i8 4(j 
battle rested there, Gen. Taylor ordered Capt. May 
to charge the battery with his dragoons. His words JefwaT 
were, " You must take it /" May wheeled on his capt! ° 

' -^ May ? 

Steed, and said to his followers, ^^Men, loe must take 
that battery .'" 

23. In a moment those eighty-two stern riders 
were moving in a dark mass along the road, headed Describe 
by their fearless commander. The next moment charge? 
the bugle sounded to the charge, and the black and 
driving mass swept like a thunder-cloud to the 
shock. A whirlwind of dust marked their career. 
The attention of the army was directed to this des- 
perate charge. The muffled tramp could be heard 

as they broke into a gallop, and rushed forward to 
the muzzles of the guns. In advance was seen 
the commanding form of May, as, mounted on his 
powerful charger, he rode fiercely on, with his hair 
streaming in the wind, while behind flashed the 
sabres of his followers. 

24. One discharge tore through them, stretching 
nearly a third of his company and half of his what i? 
horses on the ground ; but when the smoke lifted, J|ay. ^^^ 
there was still seen the war-horse of May leaping Srs'l'V 
the ditch, breastwork and all, his remaining followers 
pressing on, riding down the artillery-men at their 
pieces, and bursting through the Mexican lines. A 
wild hurrah went up from tile entire army when they 

saw those fierce dragoons clear the breastwork. The 
infantry now rushed forward with furious shouts, 
driving the enemy before them. The battle then ^vhatof 
became a rout, and the affrighted Mexicans rolled Knff''" 
furiously toward the river, to escape to Matamoras. 



1846 25. The garrison at Fort Brown had stood and 
What of listened to the sound of the heavy cannonading of 
Sn^at"" the two days' fight. When the cavahy, plunging 
Brown? wildly over the plain, emerged into view, they 
mounted the rampart, and under the folds of their 
flag, that still floated proudly in the breeze, sent up 
the shout of victory. Three thousand five hun- 
dred shots had been fired into that single fort, and 
w-hat yet but two men had been killed. The Mexicans 

was the 

jos^s^on lost, their whole artillery, 2,000 stand of arm, 600 
sides? mules, together with Gen. Arista's private papers, 
and Gen. Vega himself, whom May had made 
prisoner in his charge, and about 250 killed and 
600 wounded. The American loss was 39 killed 
and 82 wounded. Both these battles were fought 
against a vastly superior force. 

26. On the morninff of the 17th, Gen. Taylor hav- 

What . , . ° , . ' ■ r ^T 

dif cfn ^^^S nrade preparations to obtam possession of Mat- 
SidTo amoras,* sent to the Mexican general, demanding 
ican ^''" its surrender, too^ether with all the public property 

general? . , . ' ,^ . . , . ., T , i , 

in the city, and giving him until three o clock to 
decide. In the mean time, a communication was 
v™he ^^^^ ^^ ^^^^ prefect, who repUed, Taylor could enter 
'ep'j'^ whenever he chose. On the 18th he took posses- 
sion of the city, and found it deserted by Arista^ 
and a large number of cannon thrown into wells. 



Why 
coalc 



Gen. Taylor, though in possession of Matamoras, 
•Bh.vior"°* found it impossible to follow up his success from 
ht'Tuc"'' the want of troops and supplies, and was com- 

cess? 

* Matamoras is situated 28 miles from Point Isabel, six from 
Palo Alto, and three from Resaca de la Palnia. It contains a 
population of 10,000. [See Map.] 



Cliap.XIV. SIEGE OP MONTEREY. 431 

pelled to remain inactive at this post the greater part ig^e 
of tlie summer. In the mean time, a large force ^v,^q 
had been concentrated at Monterey, the capital of mi?i'ded 
New Leon, under the command of Gen. Ampudia. ican 

27. On the 7th of September, Gen. Taylor hav- 
ing received reinforcements, marched from Mata- what 
moras ; and on the 19th, with 6,600 troops, en- ment c 
camped at Walnut Spring, under the walls of Mon- '^'''*'"' 



forces Kt 
Monte- 
rey 2 



next 
make 7 



terey,* then strongly fortified by nature and art, and 
garrisoned by an army of 10,000 men. The nar- the'forti- 



hcations. 



row streets of the city were barricaded with huge 
piles of masonry ; while the houses, most of which 
had but one story, with flat roofs and battle- 
ments breast high, were fortifications, from which, 
as well as from their windows, a deadly fire could 
be poured on an advancing foe. The city was for- 
tified with thick stone walls, and strengthened by 

ditches and bastions. 

• 

28. To the west, on a steep eminence crowned how 

' * was the 

with stones, stood the Bishop's Palace, a fort fiejf''"' 
strongly fortified ; on the north, a strong and 
massive citadel, and on the east three forts, while 
the river San Juan flowed along the east and 
south. These defenses were mounted with forty 
pieces of artillery, and manned by more than 
10,000 men. Notwithstanding the strength of 
the position and the diflference in their forces, Tay- 
lor determined to take the pity, and nobly did he what 
succeed. The order of attack was formed in three g'^^t^fgf 
divisions ; the first under Gen. Twiggs, the second 

* Monterej' is a mountain city, about 170 miles from Mata- 
moras. It is the cauital of New Leon, and contains 15 000 in- 
habitants. 



432 POLK'S ADMINISTRATION. 



Pari III. 



t846 under Gen. Woitli, and the third under Gen. But- 
ler. General Worth was to attack the heights, 
while Gen. Taylor, with the other two divisions, 
was to favor this movement by a division on the 
. east and north. 

KS-^ 29. On the evening of the 21st of September the 

*''^' battle commenced, and raged with great fury for 
three days. The Bishop's Palace was stormed, 
and the guns turned upon the Mexicans, and all 
the strong points in and about the city successively 
carried. As our army advanced into the city, the 
figlit became terrific. From every door, window, 
and house-top, a deadly fire was poured upon our 
troops ; yet still they advanced, fighting hand to 
hand, until by night on the 23d the troops of (Quit- 
man and Worth had nearly met each other at the 
main plaza. 

Sept. -24. 30. On the following morning Gen. Ampudia 
surrendered the city. The Mexicans were allowed 

What to retire with their arms. An armistice was conclud- 

were the ^ 

surren°^ cd on to contiuuc eight weeks, or until instructions 

from government should be received. The Ameri- 

Mhat can loss was 126 killed and 350 wounded. The 

loss on Mexican loss was estimated at about 1,000 killed 

both ' 

sides? ^j^^ wounded. This contest, in which a large force 
strongly fortified Avas overcome b}'^ a smaller, forms 
a brilliant chapter in the pages of history. 

fitruc- '" 31. On the 2d of November, Gen. Taylor received 

llot.s did . . ^ . 

instructions from government to terminate the ar- 
mistice. He accordingly notified Ampudia that it 
would end on the 13th of November. Santa Anna, 
Santa''' formerly President of Mexico, who was a short time 
before banished from the country, had been recalled, 



Oen. 
Taylor 
rereive 
from gov- 
ernment? 
What is 
lid of 



Anna 



Gen. Taylor nearly all the regulars under his com- «' 



Cliap.XIV. SCOTT ARRIVES IN MEXICO. 433 

placed at the head of affairs, and Paredes deposed, is^i 
Before December, he had succeeded in raising an 
army of 20,000 men, and concentrating them at San 
Luis Potosi, which he strongly fortified. 

32. In the mean time, Gen. Winfield Scott* had who 

' was the 

been appointed Commander-in-chief of all the land ^^,;,gr 
forces in Mexico, and directed to withdraw from ?vme'?i': 

can land 
forces in 
Mexico? 

mand, and proceed south to obtain possession of „ 

' ^ I How did 

Vera Cruz. Taylor was deeply chagrined at this rece've 
intellio^ence. The idea of partinar with the veteran lilenclf'" 

■ r TXT • r that he 

warriors of Monterey was pamful ni the extreme, "^^^^^nh 
Not only were most of the regular troops with- Joops? 
drawn from him, but Gen. Worth ordered to march Dec. 
at the head of them, from his post at Saltillo, to- 
ward Vera Cruz ; while Taylor was directed to 
fall back on Monterey, and await the arrival of re- 
cruits. 

33. In February, Taylor had received reinforce- whatre- 
ments. Learnino^ that an attempt was about to be '^entt 

* ^ did Tay- 

made by Santa Anna to possess himself of the line ^°^-^,l^' 
of posts between himself and Matamoras, he de- 
termined to meet the Mexican President. On the ReVer^ 
20th of February^ie was encamped at Agua Nueva, do? 
about eighteen miles south of Saltillo, with a force „,^ . 

o ■ What 

of 5,000 men. Here he learned that Santa Anna, ^ll^; 
at the head of 20,000 men, was twenty miles dis- ilake^? 



* Gen. Scott was born on the 13th of June, 1786, near Peters- 
burgh, in Virginia. In May, 1808, he received a captain's 
commission in the aimy of the United States. From this office 
he has gradually risen, by his bravery and talents, to his present 
distinguished post of Commander-in-chief of the United States 
army. 

19 



434 * folk's administration. part hi. 

I84T tant. Taylor immediately fell back to Buena 
Vista, seven miles from Saltillo. 

34. On the morning of the 22d, the American 
"oelTay- ti'oops wcre drawn up in order of battle, in a posi- 
scriblhis tion of ffreat streno^th. Taylor thus describes it : 

position ? <=* ^ '' ■, ni 

" The road at this point becomes a narrow defile, 
the valley on the right being full of impassable gul- 
lies, while on the left rugged ridges extended far 
back to the mountains. The ground was such as 
nearly to paralyze the artillery and cavalry of the 
enemy. Capt. Washington's battery was posted to 
command the road ; another force under Cols. Har- 
din and Bissel occupied the crests of the ridges on 
the left and in the rear, and a small force under 
Cols. Yell and Marshall occupied the left near the 
base of the mountain, while another body was held 
in reserve." 

'^^hat 35. At eleven o'clock. Taylor received a commu- 

ne ws did ' •' 

Slve nication from Santa Anna, telling him that he 
sa??a^ was surrounded by 20,000 men, and that if he 
would surrender, he should be treated with con- 
Jj^gjf sideration. Taylor declined acceding to this very 
*^® "^^"^ courteous request,* and on the following morning 

• 

* On the 21st considerable firing occurred on the part of the 
Mexicans, which was not answered by our forces. An officer 
was dispatched to Taylor from the Mexican lines. He found 
him sitting on his white horse, with one leg over the pom- 
mel of the saddle, quietly watching the movements of the enemy. 
The officer stated, that " he had been sent by Santa Anna to in- 
quire what he was waiting for." Taylor replied, " he was only 
waiting for Santa Anna to surrender." The officer returned, 
and shortly after the battery seemed to open on Taylor's posi- 
tion, but there he sat, indiffijrent to the perils of his situation, 
coolly peering at the enemy through a spy-glass. His officers 



Chap. XIV. BATTLE OP BUENA VISTA. 435 

the battle of Buena Yista commenced. The sun i84:T 
that day looked on a battle as bravely fought as 
any in American history. Five thousand troops, Describe 
most of whom a few months before were pursuing tie^ 
the quiet walks of civil life, now stood face to face Feb. 23. 
with 20,000 soldiers, the flower of the Mexican 
army ; yet that little army never quailed, but with 
the coolness and firmness of the veterans of a hun- 
dred fields, poured their volleys with terrible preci- 
sion into the midst of the advancing foe,* or like 
a thunderbolt swept them away in the deadly 
charge. 

36. Washington's, Sherman's, and Bragg's bat- 
teries poured forth an incessant sheet of flame, 
while the infantry sent showers of leaden hail 
into the opposing columns. At length darkness 
closed the contest. The loss on the American what 

was the 

side was 267 killed, 456 wounded, and 23 missing, [.^ff^^" 
The Mexican loss in killed and wounded was esti- wolind- 
mated at 2,000. " "^' 

The next day, the Mexican army retired to San 
Louis Potosi, leaving behind them hundreds of 
dead and dying. Among the brave officers who fell j™ 
on that day, none were more lamented than Capt. °jfif " 

suggested that old " Whity" was too conspicuous a charger for 
the commander, but he replied, " that the old fellow had missed 
the fun at Monterey, and that he should have his share this 
time." 

* A body of Mexican infantry had been detached from the 
main army, and were being cut down with great slaughter. Mr. 
Crittenden was sent to them to ask them to surrender. He was 
carried before Santa Anna; who told him if Taylor would sur- 
render he would be protected. Mr. Crittenden replied — '• Gen. 
Taylor never surrenders" 



436 folk's administration. Partlll. 

lg46 Lincoln. Cols. McKee, Harden, Fell, Davis, and 

Clay. After this victory, Gen. Taylor remained in 

garrison at Saltillo and Monterey. 

In the 37'. In following the career of our brave army 

t?ml" under Gen. Taylor in Mexico, little mention has 

what 1 z' 1 . ^ 

had been bccn made of the transactions of government at 

done by o 

l^ent'"" home, that the events of both might be presented 
in a connected chain. Shortly after Taylor had 
received instructions to move on to a position near 
the Rio Grande, Congress authorized the President 
to accept the services of 50,000 volunteers ; at the 
same time it adopted measures to increase the reg- 
ular army several thousands. 

What 38. On the 13th of May, 1846, Mr. Polk issued 

procla- . . 

was'?"- ^ proclamation, stating that Congress, by virtue of 
Mr.Poik? the constitutional authority vested in it, has de- 
clared, " that by the act of the Republic of Mex- 
ico, a state of war exists between the two govern- 
ments ;" and calling on the people of the United 
States to support such measures as might be adopted 
for obtaining a speedy, just, and honorable peace. 
About this time, the news of the gplendid victories 
time? of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma was received 
at Washington, and spread like wildfire through 
^^,^^^ the country. Congress passed a vote of thanks to 
wasdone Qgj-^ Taylor and the officers and men under his 
^'''^ command. Taylor* was breveted major-general, 
and Twiggs brigadier-general. 



What 
news ar- 
rived 
tibout 
this 



* Gen. Zachary Taylor was born in Orange county, Va., in 
the year 1790. Soon after his birth, his father removed to Ken- 
tucky, and settled near Louisville. In 1808 Gen. Taylor entered 
the army as a lieutenant. During the last war with England 
he bore a conspicuous part, and for his splendid deiense of Fort 



When 
was the 



Cliap. XIV. SPEGE OF VERA CRUZ. 437 

39. On the 16th of June, 1846, a dispute, which xs^e 
had long existed between Great Britain and Amer 
ica, respecting the boundary line of Oregon, was dispm 
settled on the limits of forty-nine decrees and the boundary 

JO question 

Straits of Juan de Fuca. On the 23d of November, '^"'^^ • 

1846, Gen. Scott received orders from the Secretary i™'^^- 

of War to repair to Mexico, and take command of ders^uT 

the forces there assembled. Vera Cruz beinff con- scott re- 
el ceive on 

sidered the key to the city of Mexico, Jiis operations Nov^ilef 
were to be directed against that place. He reached 
the Rio Grande on the 1st of January, 1847, when hedoi' 
he found, it necessary, to obtain a sufficient force to 

•^ ' What 

attack Vera Cruz, to withdraw nearly all the reg- ^.^l^^^p^"- 
ular troops from the army under Gen. Taylor. The S'dl^'^ 
rendezvous of the troops was at the island of Lobos, 
about 125 miles north of the city of Vera Cruz. 

Where 

From til is place they embarked to the number of did the 

-■ ' "^ troops 



12,000, on board Commodore Connor's fleet, and •'^"'^ 

on the 9th of March, anchored between Sacrificios 

and the shore. 

40. The landing was effected with the greatest Describe 

^ the land- 

regularity m sixty-five surf boats ; and before ten »"«• 

at night, the whole army had reached the shore 

without resistance. A northerly wind now set in, 

which prevented the landing of the heavy ordnance ^^^^^^ 

for a pumber of days. On the 22d, every thing mwi's 

being" in readiness to commence the sieere, (jren. to the 

O . Mexican 

Scott sent a summons to the Mexican commander ^^^er? 
to surrender the city. In this summons he allowed 



Harrison was promoted to the rank of major. In the Indian war 
in Florida he was distinguished for his bravery and judgment. 
Promoted t'o the rank of general, in 1840 he was appointed to 
the command of the southern department of the army. 



438 



POLK'S ADMINISTRATION. 



Pai-t III. 



184T 



How 

was it 
received? 



Describe 
the at- 
tack, 



What is 
said of 
San Juan 
deUUoa? 



What 
was done 
by the 
Mexican 
com- 
mander? 



ample time for non-combatants, who wished to leave 
the city, to retire, and take what property they pleased. 
The summons to surrender was rejected, and shortly 
after, the batteries opened on the city. From this 
time until the morning of the 26th, the cannonading 
was continued with but slight intermission. 

41. The scene was one of awful sublimity. The 
darkness of night- was illuminated by blazing 
shells circlii^ through the air, while the roar of 
artillery, and the crash of falling houses, mingled 
with the shrieks of the wounded and terror-stricken. 
The sea was reddened by the glare of burning 
buildings and the broadsides of the ships. The 
castle of San Juan de Ulloa was girded with sheets 
of flame, as her cannon thundered forth their bold 
defiance. The accumulated science of ages, ap- 
plied to the military art, before Vera Cruz, dis- 
played the fullness of its destructive power. 

42. On the 26th, the Mexican governor made 






dtGalUga, 

m 




Vera Cruz is the principal sea-port 
of Mexico, and contains about 10,000 
inhabitants. It was founded by 
Cortez in 1519. Directly opposite 
the city is the island of San Juan de 
Ulloa, on which stands an immense 
fortress, in a position to command 
the whole harbor. This fortress ia 
one of the strongest in the world, 
and was supposed to be impregna- 
ble. The city is surrounded by sand- 
hills, which are constantly shifting 
under the heavy winds. This greatly 
impeded our troops .in their attack 
on the city. 



CItap. XIV. 



NAVAL EVENTS. 439 



overtures of surrender ; and on the 27th, the arti- 184,-3' 
cles of capitulation were signed. The city, and the 
castle of San Juan de UUoa, one of the strongest 
fortresses in the world, together with upward of 
four thousand prisoners, between six and seven hun- what 

* ' was the 

dred cannon, and about ten thousand stand of f^^'^^^f 
small arms, fell into the hands of the Americans. ^'^ ■ 
This victory, obtained with the loss. of few men, 
on our side, considering it in a military point of 
view, was one of the most glorious in the records 
of modern warfare. 

43. Naval Events. — The squadron in thewhatis 

said of 

Pacific, under Commodores Sloat and Stockton, ^^l^^^^,^^ 
during the summer of 1846, was principally em- PacScin 
ployed in subjugating California; and on the 22d ^^^^ 
of August the flag of the United States was waving 
over almost every commanding position within that 
territory. On the 14th of October, Commodore what is 

•^ ' said 01 

Connor, commanding the squadron in the Gulf of squadron 
Mexico, appeared off Tampico. The town capitu- cuif^'of 

1 I • 1 • rr«i • r 1 Mexico? 

lated without resistance. Ihis was one of the 
most iinportant posts to Mexico, on the gulf On 
the 23d, Commodore Perry, with the steamer Mis- what 

' -^ ' -was done 

sissippi, and several smaller vessels, appeared off p^r?yT' 
the mouth of the river Tabasco, and sailing up the 
river, captured Frontiera, and all the vessels in 
port, without firing a single gun. He then sailed 
seventy-four miles farther up the river, to Tabasco, 
and on the 25th silenced the fort, which commands 
the city. After leaving two steamers to blockade 
the mouth, he returned to the flao^ of Com. Connor. 

What 

44. The next day after the seizure of Vera Cruz, after the 

•^ ' iiege of 

in which the navy bore a conspicuous part, an ex- cfili^? 



440 folk's administration. 



Part III. 



184T pedition set out for the capture of Alvarado, under 
the command of Com. Perry, who dispatched Ineut. 
whatdid Hunter in advance with a small steamer, to block- 
Hunter ade the port. Arriving off the bar, on the after- 
noon of the same day, he opened a fire on the fort, 
which surrendered the next morning. Hunter then 
proceeded up the river, captured four schooners, 
and the next day anchored off Fla-co-al-pam, a 
city of 7,000 inhabitants, which immediately sur- 
whatdid i'endered. On the 2d of April, Com. Perry arrived, 
PerTydo? wlicu ho fouiid tlicse important posts in the hands 

of the Americans. 
In whose 4.5. On the 18th of April, Com. Perry, after a 

posses- * I /• 

sioniiow short engagement, captured the town and port oi 
thelL^" Tuspan, about twenty miles north of Vera Cruz. 
portsf Thus, at this period of affairs, nearly all the im- 
portant ports on the gulf of Mexico were in the 
hands of the Americans. 

46. We now return to follow the victorious march 
of Scott and his gallant army to the capital of 



What is 
said of 
Scott and 



Twiggs? ]^/[g-j.j(,Q Qjj ^he 8th of April, toji days after the 
surrender of Vera Cruz, Gen. Twiggs left the city, 
and took the road to Jalapa. On the 11th, his^ 
advanced dragoons, under Col. Harney, met and 
drove before them several thousand Mexican lanc- 
where ^^'^- '^^ ^^^ followiug day it was discovered that 
e^mi^ the enemy was in front, on the heights of a moun- 
tain, strongly fortified. 

47. On the 16th Gen. Scott arrived, and issued 
., his orders for the attack. The road from the Ame- 

Desrnbe 

StSn. lican camp ascended among lofty hills, whose com- 
manding points were fortified and garrisoned by 
the enemy. His right, intrenched, rested on a pre- 



€hap. XIV. 



BATTLE OF CERRO GORDO. 441 



cipice, overhanging an impassable ravine, that is^'r 
forms the bed of the stream, between which and Describe 
the precipice runs the national road. The highest auon'of" 
peak of this precipice was the height of Cerro Gordo 
Gordo, elevated more than a thousand feet, on which f-^^^''^' 
stood a fort whose batteries commanded every 
point in the road below. Several powerful batteries 
were placed along the fiont declivity. The whole 
of these formidable intrenchments were defended by 
15,000 men, commanded by Santa Anna, who had 
crossed the country from Buena Yista, to be de- how 

.^ ' strong 

feated again at Cerro Gordo. S ar- 

48. To drive this strong force from a position ™^^' 
almost impregnable, Scott could only bring about 
6,000 men into action. Instead of advancing along what 
the national road, in the face of those heavy bat- ^^^||^, 
teries, a road was constructed, which wound around 

the base of the mountain, to the right, directly in 
the rear of the height. This position they had 
gained unnoticed by the enemy, and on the 17th, SeysS 
secured the two hills in front of the main works. 
That evening, Scott issued his orders, detailing the what is 
plan of battle, all of which were realized as though ^^^^6?? 
they had been prophetic. 

49. During the night, heavy artillery was drag- Describe 
ged up the hills, which had been taken the after- tie'^oi''' 
noon before, and when the morning dawned, they Gordo. 
commenced raining showers of balls on the in- 
trenchments of the enemy. Col. Harney and his 
troops charged up the heights, so steep that they 
were obliged to climb, stormed the citadel, and 
from the tower of Cerro Gordo unfurled the stars 

and stripes. The enemy, soon after, driven from 

19* 



442 folk's administration. 



Part III. 



1847 the field, fled in confusion. Santa Anna escaped 
What is ^^ ^^^ of his mules, leaving his carriage to the 
santa"^ enemy. More than 3,000 prisoners were taken ; 

288 officers, among whom were five generals. Gen- 
what ^^'^^ Scott also took 5,000 stands of arms, and forty- 
bsl o5® three cannon. The American loss was 63 killed 
sides ^ and 368 wounded. The enemy's loss, in killed 

and wounded, was estimated at 1,200. 

What ' ' 

was^done 50. Qu the 19th of April, Gen. Worth entered 
^°^^^ Jalapa,* and on the 22d took possession of the town 
What and castle of Perote,t next to San Juan de UUoa, 

wcr6 left 

behmd the strongest fortress in Mexico. The garrison 
enemy? jjg^^j withdrawn the day before, leaving behind sixty- 
four guns and mortars, 11,065 cannon balls, 14,300 
bombs, and 500 muskets. On the 15th of May, 
Gen. Worth, with 4,000 troops, occupied the city 
of Puebla.t Here Gen. Scott remained most of the 
summer. 

51. On the 8th of August, Scott moved along the 



What 
move- 
Gen, national road toward the city of Mexico. For 

Scott -^ 

make? 

Describe 



many long miles, the troops marched over a hilly 
fiSene. load, uutil, ou the 10th, they came within sight of 

* Jalapa is situated on the national road to Mexico, between 
forty and fifty miles from Vera Cruz. It contains 13,000 inhab- 
itants. 

•f Perote is situated about sixty miles from the coast. The 
fortress is to the north of the town. South-east is a high point 
of land, which serves, along with the volcano of Orisba, as a 
landmark to make the port of Vera Cruz. 

:j: Puebla, the capital of the State of Puebla, is situated sixty- 
six miles from Mexico, and one hundred and eighty-six from 
Vera Cruz. It contains 80,000 inhabitants. It is one of the 
richest cities in Mexico. It was formerly celebrated for its 
manufactories of delf-ware and pots. Here are large manufac- 
tories of iron and steel, particularly swords, bayonets, &c. 



Chap. XIV. BATTLE OF CONTRERAS. 443 

'the vast plain of Mexico. The scene Avas one 184.^- 
which, once beheld, could never be forgotten. Mex- ' 

ico, with its lofty steeples, its swelling domes, its 
bright reality and its former fame, its modern splen- 
dor and its ancient magnificence, was before them ; 
while around, on every side, its shining lakes seem- 
ed like silver stars on a velvet mantle. 

52. The next day they reached Ayotea, fifteen 
miles from Mexico. From this place, the road ^j^^^J^ 
to the city is a causeway, traversing a marsh, S^fhe*^ 
and is commanded by a lofty hill, called El Pin- '"^^" 
nel, which had been fortified with the great- 
est care. Batteries, mounting fifty guns, were what is 
placed along its sides. The army of Santa Anna |=jnta^ 
numbered 25,000 men, while ours was only 9,000. ^™''' 
To avoid these fortifications, a road was cut around S^^ 
Lake Chalco to San Augustine, which completely num- 
turned the strong works of the enemy. On the 
17th, Worth's division reached the latter place, 
which was nine miles south of Mexico. Scott 
arrived the next morning, when Woith commenced S^of 
his march for the city. San Antonio was three and'oen. 
miles north of San Augustine; and three miles cia? 
west of this place, at the hill of Contreras, Gen. 
Valencia was stationed with a large force, in a ^^^^^ 
position to sweep the road with his batteries. p*iace 

53. Skirmishes continued the whole of the 19th, the'mh? 
but during the night the rain fell in torrents, and 

for a few hours, the thunder of battle was hushed. J^^at 
The troops remained on the field daring the whole "-^^17 
of that dreary night, with no shelter from the 
driving rain. Early in the morning, Gen. Smith the^next 
gave the welcome word, " Move on.'' The soldiers 



444 



POLK'S ADMINISTRATION. 



Part III. 



1841 



What ia 
said in 
conclu- 
sion of 
this bat- 
tle, and 
the loss 1 



What IS 
eaid of 
Churu- 
busco ? 



rushed forward, and just at the dawn of day,- 
furiously charged the enemy's works. In an in- 
stant all was confusion. The enemy at first wa- 
vered, then broke and fled, leaving their strong posi- 
tion to the conquerors. 

54. Thus ended the battle of Contreras, in which 
4,000 men routed an army of 8,000, under Yalen- 
cia, with 12,000 more hovering in view. The 
•Mexicans lost 700 killed, and 813 taken prisoners, 
and immense quantities of ammunition. Our loss 
did not exceed sixty, in killed and wounded. Our 
forces now rapidly pressed on toward Churubusco, 
where the enemy was strongly intrenched. Here 
was a fortified convent, and a strong field-work, 




Mexico, the capital of 
the Mexican Republic, is 
situated in the midst of the 
beautiful vale of Mexico, 
252 miles from Vera Cruz. 
The valley of Mexico, or, 
it was formerly called, 
the plain of Tenochtitlan, 
is 230 miles in circumfer- 
ence, and elevated 7,000 
feet above the level of the 
ocean. The valley con- 
tain.s a number of lakes 
besides Tezcuco. and is 
surrounded by small hills 
except on the south, where 
are seen two lofty volcanic 
mountains. The city of 
INIexico is one of the most 
beautiful in America. It 
contains about 200,000 in- 
habitants. Mexico stands 
on the same ground as that 
of the old city, which was 
conquered by Cortez, 326 
years before the new was 
conquered by the United 
States. It received its 
name from the Aztec \var 
god. Mexatili.and was for- 
merly situated on the 
shore of Lake Tezcuco; 
but that lake has now re- 
ceded, so as to be nearly 
two miles from the city. 
Churubusco is situated 
four miles 'from the city. 
A few miles west is Tacubaya, a small village, where Scott and ^y^h had their head^^^^^ 
ters. The road leading to the city passed along by the side of a hilstrongbfoi titled called 
Chapultepec. On the top of this hill, which was two miles Irom the city^was the Ji 1 U^ 
Collese, and a strong fortification which commanded the road from Tacuba>a, The road trora 
this hill is over the aqueduct which conveys water to the city. — -" " 
ai'ch, the forceu of Quitmari and Smith marched into the city. 



Here, fighting from arch to 



How 
many 
were in- 
trenched 
there ? 



J ^ii.KA. What is 
said of 



Cliap. XIV. BATTLES NEAR MEXICO. 445 

with regular bastions at the head of a bridge, over 184^^ 
which the road passes from San Antonio to the 
capital. These intrenchments were defended by 
27,000 men, determined to make a desperate stand, 
for if beaten here, their capital would be in the 
hands of the enemy. 

55. The attack commenced about 1 p. m., and 
continued for three hours. The firinar was one the" a 

° tack? 

contmuous roar, while the combat lasted. At 
length the enemy fled, closely pressed by our victo- 
rious squadrons, who folloAved them within 500 
yards of the gates of the city. Our loss in killed ^Sllhe 
and wounded was 1053. The Mexican loss was £hi 
500 killed, 100 wounded, and 1100 taken prisoners, w^atig 
The battles of Contreras and Churubusco were the thSe*'^ 
most furious and deadly in the war. After so ti'e°? ^ 
many victories in one day, our army might have mS 
easily marched into the city ; but Scott, hoping that easify""^ 
the Mexicans would more readily treat for peace •^o"^- 
without this humiliating stroke to their pride, 
halted his victorious troops. 

56. On the 2Ist, he occupied the Bishop's Pal- ^^j^^^ 
ace at Tacubaya, and on the 22d proposed an Ty^'scottl 
armistice, that the Mexican government might con- 
sider the proposition of Mr. Trist, the commissioner 

of the American government, who had accompa- 
nied him on this mission. The armistice was ac- 
cepted. By its terms, neither party was to un- 
dertake any operation, nor receive any reinforce- 
ments, within thirty leagues of the city of Mexico. 
The negotiations were unsuccessful, and on the 
5th of September Scott discovered that the city was 
being fortified, in direct violation of the armistice. 



446 folk's administration. 



Part III, 



184T That, of course, was now at an end ; and prepara- 
tions were made; for an immediate attack on the city. 
Describe ^^- ^hc eucmy had strongly intrenched them- 
{fe'ofthe selves at MoHno del Rey, or the " King's Mill." 

King's 



Mill! Their works consisted of a regular field-work sur- 
rounding the mill, which was filled with men, and 

• mounted ten pieces of artillery. The attack com- 
menced on the morning of the 8th, and for two or 
three hours the slaughter was dreadful. At length, 
the enemy was driven from the field, with the loss 
on our side of about 1,000 in killed and wounded. 
Our force amounted to 3,700, while that of the ene- 
my was 10,000. 

ofcha- 58. After considerable skirmishing, an attack 
was made on the 13th on the fortress Chapultepec, 
which was considered the key of the Mexican lines. 
The scene which now presented itself, was one of 
terrible sublimity. Our shot went crashing through 
the buildings, and tearing up the intrenchments at 
the top of the hill. The Mexicans fought des- 
perately, but they could not withstand the fierce 
charge of our troops, who soon gained possession 
of the fortress. 

Describe 59. Smith's and duitman's forces now dashed 

the 

i?tTthe "P the road leading to the city, in the face of a tel'- 

"^^' rific fire from the enemy's batteries, stationed along 

the road, until they were silenced. At twenty 

minutes past one, on the 14th of September, our 

forces, fighting hand to hand, entered the city of 

test , Mexico. But the contest was not yet over, for a 

there. -^ ' 

terrible fire was poured upon our troops from bat- 
teries stationed in streets, and from the windows 
and housetops, until night. In the mean time, Gen. 



Chap. XIV. 



POSSESSION OF THE CITY. 447 



Worth's division had filed round to the left, and en- i84'j' 
tered the city by the gate of San Cosmo. During 
the night, Santa Anna evacuated the city, and re- 
tired to Guadaloupe. 

60. The next morning, at daylight, our forces 
marched into the plaza, in front of the cathedral what 

• ' occurred 

and palace ; and at 7 o'clock, p. m., on the 15th of °^^^^^ 
September, 1847, the "Stars and Stripes" floated ""^"'"^' 
in triumph over the capital of the Mexican Repub- 
lic. Skirmishing continued for two or three days, 
when all became quiet. Of the 10,000 gallant "«;;; ^j. 
spirits that had welcomed Scott at Puebla, scarcely troops 
7,000 were left. The bloody fields of Contreras, en since 

' , *^ leaving 

Churubusco, San Antonio, Molino del Rey, and P^ebia? 
Chapultepec, had laid low 3,000 of our brave army, 
and%lled with grief the hearts of all the rest. A 
great difficulty under which both Taylor and Scott 
labored, was the want of a sufficient number of 
troops to garrison effectually the different places 
they conquered. 

61. The most exciting subject, during the Con- 
gress which closed its session in March, 1847, was J^f^ 
the appropriation of $3,000,000, recommended by Sd 
the President, to be employed by him as he pleased, uie^co": 
in securing a peace with Mexico. To this resolu- ^«*^^ 
tion an amendment was offered, called the Wilmot 
Proviso, which excluded slavery from all territory 
which might be acquired by the United States in 
Mexico. After a warm debate, the resolution passed, ' 
shorn of the proviso. 



ng 
topic oc- 



REFLECTIONS, 



We have now glanced at the leading events in the history of our 
country, from the period when the first bold adventurers beheld its 
shores to the present time. We have seen it in the richness of its prim- 
itive beauty, before the hand of civilization turned its forests into cities, 
or made its rivers and lakes the pathways of commerce. We have no- 
ticed the settlements made by the different colonists, on our Atlantic 
coast. We have seen them gradually increase, under the most dis- 
heartening diffiAilties. We have seen them repel Indian invasion, 
struggle with poverty, and oppressed by the tyranny of their mother 
land, until they indignantly repulsed the hand that was binding them 
with fetters, and trampled on the laws that would have mad^them 
slaves. We have followed our fathers through their long and bloody 
struggle for freedom, and have heard the shout that went up from an 
emancipated nation, and from the down- trodden in other lands, when 
that freedom was won. We have watched the progress of our free 
institutions, until we have seen the far west covered with cities and 
villages, gardens and cultivated fields, and the lakes and rivers swarm- 
ing with ships and steamboats. 

But little more than two centuries have passed away, since this 
whole land was a wilderness, and now, we behold it covered with a 
mighty nation, whose possessions stretch from the Atlantic to the Paci- 
fic, and whose influence is felt throughout the world. Our commerce 
extends to every country, and the sails of our merchant-ships may be 
found on every sea and in every port. Our canals, railroads, and the 
stupendous palaces which float on our vast rivers and lakes, seem al- 
most like the work of magic, so quickly have they been created in our 
midst. Our population has increased to an extent unparalleled in the 
history of nations. Our manufactures rival those of Europe, and many 
of the most important applications of science have been made by 
our citizens. The steamboat, the steam-car, and the lightning tele- 
graph, which bring the most remote parts of our country within speak- 
ing distance of each other, are among the triumphs of their skill. In 
literature, the arts and sciences, we are taking a proud rank with the 



REFLECTIONS. 449 

oldest nations of Europe. Colleges, academies and schools, are scat- 
tered over the land, and the blessings of education placed within the 
reach of all. Our government, free from a titled nobility and heredi- 
tary sovereignty, is founded on the principle that the sovereign can gov- 
ern himself. As that sovereign is the people, the stability of our free 
institutions rests, not on the power of the rulers, but on the intelligence, 
virtue, and intellectual strength, of this nation of kings. If the time 
ever come when this mighty fabric shall totter — when the beacon, 
which now rises a pillar of fire, a sign and wonder to the world, shall 
wax dim — the cause will be found in the grasping avarice, the vice 
and ignorance of the people. 

In looking at the history of our nation, we can plainly see in every 
step of its progress the guiding hand of an overruling PrQjridence. 
Through the dark period of our colonial history, through the toil and 
suffering of the Revolutionary struggle, and our subsequent unpar- 
alleled prosperity, an Almighty power has watched over us and pro- 
tected us from harm. Let us not forget in our prosperity that Being to 
whom we owe all our blessings, both as a nation and as individuals. 
In our enthusiasm for military glory, let us not lose sight of the prin- 
ciples for which our fa^iers fought, or the landmarks which they 
planted in toil and blood. Let us remember, that no nation can flour- 
ish, whose children are not taught to fear God, and practise virtue, and 
that inspiration hath said, " Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is 
a reproach to any people." 



LIST OF AUTHORITIES. 



Bancroft's History of the United States; Tiiatcher's Military Journal ; 
RmJeftson's History of America ; Botta's War of the Independence ; 
Holmes' Annals of America ; Irving's Life of Columbus ; Marshall's 
History of the American Cohonies ; Marshall's Life of Washington ; 
Sparks^ Writings of Washington ; Pitkin's History of the States ; Per- 
kins' History of the Late War with Great Britain ; Belknap's. History 
of New Hampshire ; Trumbull's Civil and Ecclesiastical History of 
Connecticut; Life of Capt. John Smith ; Hutchinson's History of Mas- 
sachusetts Bay; Smith's History of New York and New Jersey; 
Proud's History of Pennsylvania ; Hewitt's Histories of Carolina and 
Georgia; Ramsay's Revolution of Soufii Carolina ; Dwight's Journal; 
Stewart's Travels; Willard's History of the United States; Hale's 
History of the United States ; Goodrich's History of the United States ; 
Stone's Life of Brant; Volney's View of America; Schoolcraft's Tra- 
vels ; Rafinesque ; Mitchell ; American Antiquarian Researches ; Cla- 
vigero's History of Mexico ; Humboldt ; Morse's Universal Geogra- 
phy ; Jefferson's Notes ; Gazetteer of Missouri ; Vater ; Grimshaw's 
United States ; Colden's History of the Five Nations ; Encyclopedia ; 
Bracken bridge's History of the Last War; State Papers; Niles' Regis- 
ter ; Priest's Antiquities of America ; Lossing's 1776 ; Life of Jackson ; 
Life of Harrison ; Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Indepen- 
dence ; Lives of the Presidents .; Headley's Washington and his Gene- 
rals; Make Brun's Geography ; De Tocqueville's Democracy in Ame- 
rica ; Trumbull's Indian Wars; Prescott's Conquest of Mexico; Life 
of General Houston ; Taylor and his Generals ; Life of General Scott ; 
Robinson's Mexico and her Military Chieftains; Longacre and Her- 
ring's National Gallery. 



TOWER'S SERIES OF SCHOOL BOOKS. 



Crradual Primer. First Book. 

The merits of this book consist, — 

1. In coupling letters by their resemblances. 

2. In giving only a. few letters of the alphabet, before words are given 
composed solely o^ those few letters. 

3. In giving only one vowel in a lesson, with words which contain the 
name-sound of that vowel. This is a new and peculiar method of teaching 
the alphabet. 

4. In considering the several powers of each voioel in a separate lesson, 
with easy words, and short, plain sentences, to illustrate each individual 
power or sound ; thus teaching only one thing at a time. ■ 

5. The diphthongs, or combined vowels', are taught in the same manner. 
•6. Each. consonant element is then considered by itself, in a separate 

lesson, with easy words and sentences, for exercise on its particular sound. 

7. Particular and specific directions are, for the first time, given to teach- 
ers, for uttering each elementary sound in the language. 

8. More general directions or suggestions are also given for teachers. 
Tables, peculiar to this Series alone, are inserted for daily practice of 

classes simultaneously in all the simple elementary sounds. 

These are the prominent features of this Primer, and are peculiar to it 
alone. The teacher, as well as the pupil, will, from its use, lay the founda-^ 
tion of a distinct articulation, and be saved from much expense of time and 
labor in unlearning. This is *■' the right step taken in the right place." 

Introduction to the Gradual Reader. 
Second Book. 

The peculiarities of this book consist, — 

1 . In taking the pupil gradually through all the easier consonant combina- 
tions, by a regular progressive exercise on each combination. 

2. Through all the points, or marks used by writers, illustrating each in a 
separate lesson. 

3. Through the simple slides of the voice, in the same manner. 

4. Progressive reading lessons, adapted to the progress of the pup. : The 
reading lessons are kept entirely distinct from the lessons in articulation, 
points. &c., that only one thin^ may be taught at a time, as in the Primer, 
which it is designed to follow. 

5. Tables for daily simultaneous practice of the elementary sounds,* and 
simple combinations. This book is the second progressive step in attaining 
a distinct utterance, and correct pronunciation. 

6. Suggestions to teachers for avoiding errors in reading. 

Oradual Reader. Third Book. 

This book contains, — 

1. Such a selection of reading matter as will interest, as well as instruct, 
the learner, progressively suited to his capacity. 

2. A complete and original system of artictdation, consisting of exercises 
upon every vowel and consonant element, and upon every vowel and conso- 
nant combination, in the language, even the most difficult. This was the 
first ever published, and is the only complete svstem. 

;j Tuhles for «:imn!f;ineous practice, bv a whole school, on all the ele- 
»24# ' (281) 



TOWER'S SCHOOL BOOKS. 

mentary sounds and their combinations. Since the publication of these 
Exercises, in 184.1, the subject of articulation has received much attention 5 
and they are said to have done more, for both teacher and pupil, in making 
good readers, than any other book. 

4. The Gradual Reader was prepared, as stated in the preface, on the plau 
of teaching only one thing at a time — a plan peculiar to this book, unless 
copied by others. 

5. The exercises are kept separate from the reading lesso7is, that the w^hole 
school, at once, may be daily drilled in some portion of them previous to 
reading J then the pupil's attention will not be continually called from the 
sentiment and expression of a piece, by constant interruption, to correct his 
articulation. 

6. The exercises in this book are full, to supply any deficiency in the ele- 
mentary instruction of advanced pupils. (See printed notices of the book 
and system.) 

These three books furnish complete and thorough instruction in articula- 
tion, the groundwork of all good reading. 

Practical Reader. Fourtli Book. 

1. This Reader contains an elaborate but comprehensive treatise on elo- 
cution, in which the leading principles of good reading are simplified, and 
rules deduced and illustrated by practical examples. These are so plain 
that the child can easily comprehend them. 

2. References are made in each reading lesson to some of the principles 
already developed, that the pupil mSy exercise his mind by the practical 
application of the same. 

3. Each lesson has its partial vocabulary, to exercise the pupil's judgment 
.in discriminating and selecting the definition appropriate to explain the 

author's meaning. 

4. Above a thousand of the most difficult words are thus practically 
learned 5 and the pupil's knowledge of language is understandingly enlarged.* 

5. Each lesson is preceded by practical exercises in enunciation, exhibit- 
ing the correct pronunciation of words, and the distinct utterance of simple 
elements and difficult combinations. 

6. These exercises may be practised simultaneously previous to taking up 
the reading lesson. 

7. The selections have been carefully made- in reference to their practical 
utility and interest, and their adaptation to the capacity of the pupils for 
whom they were designed. 

yll' 

j"^ The "next Reader. 

The last Reader of this Series will contain, besides the Reading Lessons, 
a practical treatise on the higher and more expressive Elements op 
Elocution. 

Exercises in Articulation. 

These are published without the Reading Lessons, for the use of any 
classes in our schools and seminaries. They should be in the hands of 
every teacher and pupil in the United States. (See description of Gradual 
Reader, and notices.) 

Gradual Speller. 

I. This book is the first attempt to arrange words, in separate classes, 
by the consonant combinations, — thus aiding the memory on the principle 
of association. 

(282) 



TOWER'S SCHOOL BOOKS. 

2. It is free from the unmeaning cuts which disfigure most books of the 
kind, and furnish a gratuitous supply of playthings to distract the attention. 

3. It is not cumbered with reading lessons, useless, because out of place. 

4. It contains an exercise on each consonant element as well as each 
vowel element. 

5. It gives also an exercise on each consonant combination separately. 
No other spelling-book does. 

6. It gives the sound of each vowel in every wordj without which, any 
spelling-book would be worse than useless in a school. 

7. The sounds of the vowels are indicated by a new method j so simple, 
that any child can readily master and use it. 

8. The same notation answers for the diphthongs, which is an advantage 
over any other plan. 

9. As each element and each combination is considered in a separate 
exercise, the book is a great collateral aid to articulation, while it gives the 
correct pronunciation in connection with teaching the orthography of the 
language. 

Intellectual Alg:el»ra. 

This is on a new and original plan, and is the first attempt to simplify and 
illustrate this science, that it may be taught orally. As a discipline of the 
mind, in teaching the pupil to think and reason, algebra is pre-eminent 5 and 
this work places it in the power of younger classes to be benefited by such 
mental exercise. Where it has been used, it has more than answered the 
high expectations of teachers. It can be very profitably studied in connec- 
tion with written arithmetic. This algebra has received the commendation 
of the most prominent educators of the day, and a few of their notices may 
be found within. Teachers say that the author has done the same for algebra 
that Colburn did for arithmetic when he published his " First Lessons." 

1. The processes are so divided and subdivided as to present but one thing 
at a iime to the learner, and that in its simplest form. 

2. The operations are limited to small numbers, so as not to embarrass the 
reasoning powers. 

3. The pupil is led gradually from the simplest to more complicated rea- 
soning. 

4. Though not designed for that purpose, it has been used successfully as 
a text-book for written algebra. 

A Complete Key to tlie Algebra. 

This book contains explanations and solutions to all the questions in the 
Algebra, for the convenience of teachers, and for their use only. 

Oradual Lessons in Oranimar. 

1. It is based entirely on the analysis and composition of sentences 5 and 
its exercises are, consequently, from the very beginning, entirely of a prac- 
ticnl cliaracter. 

2. The subject and the predicate of each proposition are foci modified or 
limited by all other words therein. 

3. The" pupil must not only know the meaning of each word, but how it 
affects the meaning of the general proposition. 

4. Besides the abstract power of words, the local value will also be grad- 
ually acquired from observing their modifying influences as they are vari- 
ously used. 

5. Language is, in this way, both regarded and studied as the medium of 
thought. 

6. The two principal parts of a proposition must first be found } then how 

(283) 



TOWER'S SCHOOL BOOKS. 



each is modified by the several words that cluster around it ; and thus hovf 
the meaning of the part or the whole is affected thereby. This is an invalu- 
able exercise of the understanding. 

7. Then the pupil is required to analyze compound sentences, till the con- 
nection or dependence of clauses is rightly understood, with their limiting 
or modifying power. 

8. Sentences are thus analyzed and constructed, and the relations of words 
and clauses comprehended, with the limiting force of each, before the minor 
distinctions and the technicalities are introduced. 

9. The plan is neio, and pleases every enlightened teacher who exam- 
ines it. The pupil is taught to compose as well as analyze. 

Teachers say that this Grammar opens a new path for the pupil, enabling 
him, to pursue this sometimes dry study not only understandingly, but with 
interest and pleasure. It is predicted of the " Lessons," that they will pro- 
duce as great a change in the method of teaching grammar, as Colburn's 
" First Lessons " did in arithmetic. 



^ Notices of tbe Oradual Reader. 

Ueorge B. Emerson, Esq., of Boston, says, — "I like the plan and 
execution of the work so well, that 1 shall use it immediately in my own 
school." 

B. D. Emerson, Esq., formerly of Boston, says, — " Although unsolicited, 
I cannot refrain from expressing my unqualified approval of the work." 
Speaking of "the excellence of the Exercises in Articulation," he says, — 
" They are just what they should be, and cannot but prove valuable aids 
in conducting learners through such a course of training as is necessary, in 
order to give them the power and habit of clear and distinct enunciation j 
without which there can be no good reading; indeed, it may properly 
be styled the essence thereof." 

Professor E. C. Wines, of Burlington, N. J., says, — "The rationale of 
your system commended it to my judgment; and the conviction of its 
soundness and efficiency, thus wrought in my mind, was fully confirmed 
by the results of its application to a class in my own school." 

Professor C. D. Cleveland, of Philadelphia, says, — " I do not hesitate 
to say, that, to secure in the pupil distinct articulation, it comprises more 
within a small space than any work with which I am acquainted, and I 
intend to introduce it forthwith into my school." 

Reverend W. G. E. Agnew, late Principal of the Zane Street Public 
School, Philadelphia, says, — "I have found your system, since I have be- 
gun to use it, a great help to myself as well as to my pupils." ^ 

Franklin Forbes, Esq., late Principal of the Lowell High School, 
says, — " I also like exceedingly the judicious selection of reading lessons; 
and, in short, I think it contains the kind, quantity, and quality of matter 
most suitable for its intended use." 

From the Bay State Democrat. "The plan is original; and we 
concur fully in the opinion of the grammar masters of the Boston and tlie 
Charlestown schools, who have highly recommended this book. The gram- 
mar masters of Boston say it is ' a work admirably adapted to the wants 
of our schools, and which will entitle the author to the gratitude of all 
who are interested in the cause of education.' The grammar masters 
of Charlestown remark, — 'The book is just what we need, and what we 
have not hitherto been able to obtain ! ' " 

From the Roxbury Patriot and Democrat. "This is a work which 
has long been wanted, and we hail its appearance with pleasure." * * * " The 
Gradual Reader comes before the public with the strong approbation of all 
(284) 



TOWER'S SCHOOL BOOKS. 



the principals of the grammar schools in Boston — a most weighty recom- 
mendation." * * * * 

From the Boston Courier. "The 'Gradual Reader/ containing, &,c., 
is precisely the thing that has been wanted, and it will fully answer llie 
purposes lor which it is intended] * * * and I cannot but congratulate 
the public on its appearance."' 

Highly recommended, also, in the American Traveller, Mercan- 
tile Journal, Morning Post, Christian Register, Philadelphia 
Saturday Courier, United States Gazette, &,c. 

Boston Teachers say, — "These Exercises, so long needed, will be 
found invaluable to the teacher of the Primary or High School, and should 
be in the hands of every pupil ! " 

D. S. Sheldon, Esq., of the Northampton High School, writes, under 
date of August, 1845, — "I have no hesitation in giving it my unqualified 
approbation. Its general introduction into our schools would be an incalcu- 
lable benefit.''" (See notices in the work.) 

Used in Providence, Charlestown, Salem, Lowell, Newburyport, Lynn, 
Chelsea, Springfield, tSfC. ; also in the Normal Schools, and in many Acade- 
mies and Private Schools. 

Springfield, Mass., JVov. 3, 1846. 
Dear^ir, — The School Committee of the town of Springfield have 
examined, with much interest, your Series of Reading Books, " Gradual 
Speller," and " Intellectual Algebra," and have unanimously voted to 
introduce them into the public schools under their superintendence. As 
a whole, we consider the series one of the very best within our knowledge ; 
and it is pur desire that the children of the town may be thoroughly taught 
according to the principles upon which you have proceeded. 

We regard your " Intellectual Algebra " as a valuable work. It eff'ectually 
teaches scholars the art of thinking, which, after all, is the most important 
thing to be learned. 

For my own part, I can only add a hearty wish that your books may have 
the extensive circulation which they deserve. 
. Very respectfully, 

Henry W. Lee, 

Chairman School Committee. 



Notices of Gradual L<essoii$ in Oraiiiinar. 

At a meeting of the Trustees of the Charlestown Free Schools, 
March 29, 1847, voted, That the new Grammar, called " Gradual Lessons in 
Grammar," by D. B. Tower, be used as a text-book in our schools. 

Jonathan Brown, Jr., Secretary. 

At a meeting of the School Committee of South Reading, April 7, 
1847, voted to adopt Tower's "Gradual Lessons in Grammar" into the 
public schools as a text-book. Lilly Eaton, Chairman. 

Professor Wines, of the Oakland School, near Burlington, N. J., says, — 
" I feel no hesitation in expressing the opinion that it is the book for the 
thorough and philosophical study of the English language." * *, * " I 
rejoice to see the principle [of analysis] developed in a clear and practical 
manner, in an elementary work on English grammar." 

Rev. J. J. Owen, Principal of the Cornelius Institute, New York, says, — 
" I am exceedingly well pleased with your Grammar. I think it is just the 
thing. " * * * " I am confident that your little book will obtain the appro- 
bation of all who examine it, and will fill a niche which, I believe, is not 
occupied by any other work." 

Daniel Foster, Esq., Principal of Hopkinton High School, after using 
the book, says, — " I consider it superior to any elementary treatise in use 

mo) 



TOWERS SCHOOL BOOKS. 



in our country It occupies in grammar the place that Colburn's First 
Lessons does in arithmetic." * * * u j predict that it will usher into our 
schools a. new system of studying grammar, and will make this branch as 
interesting and improving as it has been hitherto dull and useless." 

VV. R. Ellis, Esq., Principal of a High School in Kingston, writes, — 
''This is an admirable work. I am much pleased with it, and shall have 
every scholar in my school use it." 

George Eaton, Esq., Principal of the Young Ladies' School in Park 
Street, Boston, who uses the work, says, — " The plan you adopted in the 
execution of the work is rational and philosophical, and calculated to give 
the pupil a much better knowledg-e of the language than any other elemen- 
tary work with which I am acquainted 3 and, indeed, the plan, as a whole, is 
so "different from that of any other grammar in our language, that I do not 
see why it may not be profitably studied in connection with other grammars 
now in use, as the ground it covers has hitherto been almost wholly neg- 
lected, or, at least, not systematically improved." 

Notices of Intellectual Alg^ebra. 

This Algebra, recommended by twenty-eight masters of the Public 
Schools or Boston, has been introduced into the schools by the Committee. 
Also recommended by the masters of the CharUstown and Salem*schoo\s, 
&c., where it is used. It has been adopted in the Public Schools of New 
York, Baltimore, Brooklyn, Charlestown, Cambridge, Bans;or, Lynn, Spring- 
field, &cc. 6cc. ; also by many County Conventions of Superintendents and 
Teachers. It has been recommended by the County Conventions of Super- 
intendents and Teachers in Vermont ; and it is already in use in a large 
number of the best schools in the country. It needs but to be examined, to 
be put into almost every school in the land. The recommendations of this 
work are so numerous, that room can be found for only a few^ extracts. 

Teachers say, — "We believe that the careful and minute analysis of 
questions in it, is calculated to train the mind of the pupil to correct habits 
of investigation." * * * '' Mr. Tower has the merit of originality in his con- 
ception of an Intellectual Algebra.^' * * * << -pj^g work is systematic in its 
arrangement; it contains all that will be useful in Common Schools, and is 
just what is wanted to make a thinking pupil." '■ It bears the same relation 
to the algebraic text-books in common use, as that sustained by Colburn's 
' First Lessons' to previous treatises upon arithmetic." 

R.Putnam, Esq., Principal of the High School in Salem, says, — ''I 
suspect you have done for Algebra a service not very unlike what Colburn 
did for Arithmetic, when he published his ' First Lessons.' " 

E. G. Starke, Esq., Superintendent for Cayuga County, N. Y., says, — 
" I resard it as the legitimate successor of ' Colburn's First Lessons,' and it 
will, in my opinion, prove as valuable to the student of algebra, as "that has 
been to the student of arithmetic." 

Rev. John T. Sargent writes, — "It appears to me you have very 
happily applied the ' charms of logic ' to that beautiful and much neg- 
lected study of algebra ; and, if such a book could be freely introduced into 
our Common Schools, I doubt not it would do more than almost any thing 
else to invigorate and concentrate the intellectual powers of the young." 
(See notices in the work.) 

The Gradual Reader, Grammar, and Algebra, are used in the 
Model School connected with the State Normal School. 
(28G) 



W61 



;!• 



\^ 



v. 



Ula/iifiiy . i^:.'^^, 



t '-v^^^' 














